Budapest, August 16: A devastating bus accident in Hungary early Sunday morning resulted in the deaths of 12 individuals, with 10 others reported in critical condition. The incident occurred on the M3 motorway near the town of Mezokovesd, where a tourist bus registered in Poland plunged into a ravine. A crane was deployed to remove the 24-ton vehicle, under which several passengers were trapped.
According to police reports, the accident took place shortly after 1 AM, just after the bus departed from Mezokovesd, heading towards the city of Nyiregyhaza. The state news agency MTI stated that there were 57 passengers and two drivers on board.
Preliminary investigations suggest that the driver may have dozed off, leading to a loss of control and the subsequent crash. The driver is currently in police custody.
The National Ambulance Service (OMSZ) reported that due to the severity of the accident, 14 ambulance units were dispatched to the scene. One individual is in critical condition, while nine others sustained serious injuries. Additionally, 37 passengers suffered minor injuries.
The rescue operation proved particularly challenging as many passengers were trapped beneath the overturned bus. By around 3 AM, firefighters had successfully rescued 35 individuals from the vehicle. Significant effort was required to lift the 24-ton bus to reach those trapped underneath. Civilian cranes were called to the scene, while firefighters used a winch to raise the rear axle of the bus until the crane arrived.
Both Hungarian and Polish officials have expressed their condolences regarding the tragedy. Prime Minister Peter Marki-Zay extended his sympathies to the victims’ families and thanked the emergency services and civilians involved in the rescue efforts.
Hungary’s Foreign Minister Anita Orban stated that the country is providing all possible assistance, while the Polish embassy is closely monitoring matters related to the victims.
Poland’s President Karol Nawrocki and Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski expressed deep sorrow over the incident, noting that the Polish consulate is in continuous contact with Hungarian authorities to stay updated on the situation.
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