A Polish bus overturned early Sunday morning near Mezokeresztes in eastern Hungary, resulting in the deaths of 12 people and injuries to at least 10 others, according to Hungarian Prime Minister Peter Magyar’s Facebook announcement. The vehicle veered into a ditch and flipped over while traveling on the motorway near the town, heading toward Nyiregyhaza. Authorities reported that the passengers included 57 individuals and two drivers. Photos from the scene depict a severely damaged red bus lying on its side in the roadside ditch, with broken windows and scattered belongings.
Police indicated the bus lost control after possibly the driver fell asleep, causing it to leave the straight section of the M3 motorway into a ditch before overturning. The incident prompted a swift emergency response from firefighters and rescue teams, who found the bus wrecked and debris spread across the area. The injured have been transported to local hospitals for treatment.
Polish President Karol Nawrocki expressed his sorrow on social media, saying, “It is with deep sorrow that I received the tragic news of the Polish bus accident in Hungary, in which so many of our compatriots lost their lives.” The authorities confirmed the driver is in custody as investigations continue. The injured individuals are receiving medical care, and efforts are underway to determine the precise cause of the accident.
Polish Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski stated, “The government’s consular service is active, and we are in contact with Hungarian officials. We will provide verified updates as we learn more about the tragedy.”