A tragic incident occurred early Sunday in Hungary as a passenger bus carrying Polish tourists veered off the road and overturned in a ditch, resulting in 12 fatalities and multiple injuries. The bus was traveling on the eastbound lanes near Mezokeresztes, east of Budapest, when the accident took place around 1 a.m. According to authorities, the bus driver is suspected to have fallen asleep and has been detained for questioning.
Reports from Hungary’s National Directorate for Disaster Management indicate that the bus, carrying 57 passengers and two drivers, overturned on the M3 motorway, leaving several passengers trapped under the vehicle. The Polish Foreign Ministry confirmed that all individuals onboard held Polish citizenship.
The passengers were returning from a pilgrimage in Bosnia-Herzegovina, as stated by the regional government in Rzeszow, Poland. Hungarian Prime Minister Péter Magyar mentioned in a Facebook post that at least 10 individuals sustained serious injuries. He extended condolences to the victims’ families and commended the efforts of the rescue teams at the scene.
Polish President Karol Nawrocki expressed profound sadness over the incident, offering prayers and sympathy to the families and friends of the victims. The tragic bus accident has deeply affected both the Polish and Hungarian communities, prompting an outpouring of support and solidarity during this difficult time.