At least 12 people died and 47 were injured after a Polish coach left the M3 motorway near Mezőkeresztes in eastern Hungary and plunged into a ditch. Police say the driver fell asleep during an overnight journey; he was arrested and the motorway was temporarily closed while emergency crews responded. The coach was carrying 59 pilgrims returning from Bosnia-Herzegovina, and Hungarian and Polish leaders offered condolences.
12 Killed, 47 Injured as Polish Coach Plunges Off M3 Motorway Near Mezőkeresztes, Hungary
FILE PHOTO - The flags of Poland and the European Union wave at the German-Polish border crossing. (is associated with: «Twelve killed, 47 injured as Polish coach veers off Hungarian motorway») Patrick Pleul/dpa-Zentralbild/dpa
At least 12 people have died and 47 were injured after a Polish coach veered off the M3 motorway near Mezőkeresztes in eastern Hungary and plunged into a roadside ditch during an overnight journey into Sunday, police said.
What Happened
Officials in the district capital Miskolc said the bus left the motorway about 140 kilometres east of Budapest. Initial police findings indicate the driver fell asleep at the wheel; he was arrested at the scene. A total of 59 people were on board.
Emergency services reported that 10 passengers were seriously injured and a further 37 sustained minor injuries. Fourteen ambulances were dispatched to the scene, and Hungarian media footage showed cranes being used to lift the wreckage from the ditch. The stretch of motorway between Mezőkeresztes and Emőd remained closed in the direction of Miskolc while investigators and recovery crews worked.
Passengers and Official Response
Authorities in Poland's Podkarpackie province told Poland's PAP news agency the coach was carrying a group of pilgrims returning from Bosnia-Herzegovina. Rescue teams and police continued work at the site as investigators probed the circumstances of the crash.
My sincere condolences go out to the families of the victims! — Hungarian Prime Minister Péter Magyar (Facebook)
In the face of this unimaginable tragedy, my thoughts and prayers go out to the families and loved ones of the victims. — Polish President Karol Nawrocki (X)
Authorities have appealed for witnesses and any dash-cam footage that could assist the investigation. Further updates are expected as investigators complete their inquiries and authorities confirm the identities of the victims.
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