Twelve dead in Hungary tourist bus crash after driver 'fell asleep at the wheel'

Twelve people were killed and dozens injured when a Polish tourist bus crashed on a motorway in Hungary early Sunday morning. The incident occurred near the town of Mezokeresztes, approximately 87 miles east of Budapest, when the vehicle veered off the M3 motorway and overturned into a ditch. According to Hungarian police, the driver is suspected of falling asleep at the wheel, leading to the accident. Emergency responders worked through the night to free survivors, while officials confirmed 12 fatalities and at least 10 serious injuries among the 47 passengers aboard the bus. The crash happened around 1 a.m. local time as the bus traveled eastbound along the M3 motorway. Witnesses reported the vehicle swerving violently before plunging into the ditch. Emergency services quickly arrived at the scene, attempting to extract passengers trapped beneath the wreckage. Rescuers used heavy equipment to lift the rear axle of the 24-tonne bus, allowing them to reach those stuck inside. By 3 a.m., authorities stated they had successfully removed 35 individuals from the vehicle, though several remained trapped until cranes arrived later in the day to fully extricate the bus. Hungarian Prime Minister Péter Magyar confirmed the death toll at 12 and expressed his condolences to the victims’ families. He praised the efforts of emergency personnel who responded to the crisis. “12 people lost their lives and at least ten were seriously injured during the night,” Magyar said in a public statement. “My sincere condolences go out to the families of the victims.” The interior minister, Gábor Pósfai, reiterated these figures, noting that 47 people were on board the bus, with many sustaining severe injuries. He added that the driver had been detained following the accident. The Polish government swiftly responded to the tragedy. Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski confirmed via social media that the incident involved Polish tourists and that his ministry was coordinating with Hungarian authorities. Polish President Karol Nawrocki also expressed his grief, stating he joined the families of the victims in prayer and deep sympathy. Both leaders emphasized their support for the affected families and the ongoing investigation into the cause of the crash. Local authorities have launched an inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the accident. Police have indicated that the driver, whose identity has not yet been disclosed, is under arrest and faces potential charges related to the crash. Investigators are examining whether fatigue or other factors contributed to the driver’s alleged lapse in attention. The Hungarian disaster management service has confirmed that all necessary resources were deployed to the site, including fire departments, ambulance crews, and specialized rescue teams. The crash has drawn international attention, with multiple countries expressing concern over the safety of road travel in Central Europe. Officials from both Hungary and Poland have pledged to review transportation protocols and ensure such incidents are prevented in the future. Meanwhile, the families of the deceased continue to await further updates regarding the status of their loved ones, while medical teams treat the injured at nearby hospitals. As the investigation progresses, authorities will determine the exact sequence of events leading to the crash. Forensic experts will analyze the vehicle and its condition at the time of the accident, while interviews with witnesses and the detained driver will provide additional insight. The results of this probe could influence changes in traffic safety regulations and driver training programs across the region. Until then, the focus remains on supporting the victims and their families.