Driver dies and four seriously injured in Alps crash

More than 50 UK nationals were being taken home from the resort of Alpe d’Huez when the coach veered off the road after an apparent problem with the brakes yesterday.

It smashed into rocks on the side of the road before bursting into flames.

UK travel organisation Abta said the vehicle was carrying staff who were on their way home having worked for a Brighton-based ski company at Alpe d’Huez and other resorts.

Several passengers escaped from the burning wreckage by jumping from the windows.

The passengers had been working for Skibound Holidays in various resorts across the French Alps.

The company said 29 passengers were taken to hospitals in the area, four of whom were being treated for serious injuries.

The other 23 passengers escaped injury and were with police and councillors in a local hotel.

A Skibound spokesperson said: “A special assistance team from Skibound is in place to provide support to those affected by the incident.

“Our thoughts are with those who have been involved in the accident and their relatives.”

A helicopter had been scrambled shortly after the crash, asfirefighters battled to put out the flames.

A local police spokesman said: “There was apparently a problem with the coach’s brakes.

“The driver seems to have lost control on a steep bend in the road and his vehicle crashed into rocks.

“It burst into flames but everyone is now out.

“Some passengers escaped by jumping out the windows.”