Hungarian police have confirmed that a serious bus accident early this morning on the M3 motorway, near the town of Mezokeresztes, about 140 kilometers east of Budapest, killed at least 12 people and seriously injured 10 others.
According to initial reports, the Polish-registered bus was carrying 57 passengers and two drivers, traveling from Serbia back to Poland, when it suddenly veered into a roadside ditch and overturned. Hungary's National Disaster Management Directorate said 11 people died at the scene, and another victim succumbed to injuries at the hospital. Ambulance services confirmed 37 people suffered minor injuries.
Firefighters and rescue workers had to break windows to free some trapped victims. Police said the bus driver has been detained for questioning. Initial assessments suggest the driver may have fallen asleep at the wheel.
Hungarian Prime Minister Peter Magyar extended his deepest condolences to the victims' families and thanked rescue crews for their efforts at the scene. Polish Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski said Polish consular officials are working with Hungarian authorities to assist those affected. Polish President Karol Nawrocki also expressed grief over the tragic accident.
This is considered the deadliest road accident in Hungary since 2003, when a train collided with a bus carrying German tourists in Siofok, killing 33 people.
