Twelve individuals lost their lives, and at least ten others sustained injuries following a tragic accident involving a Polish bus in eastern Hungary. The incident occurred during the early hours of Sunday, August 16, as the bus was travelling towards Nyiregyhaza when it veered into a ditch and overturned near the town of Mezokeresztes. Hungarian authorities reported that the vehicle was travelling on the M3 motorway when the accident took place.

The bus was reportedly carrying fifty-seven passengers and two drivers at the time of the accident. Images from the scene depict a severely damaged red bus lying on its side in the ditch, with shattered windows and personal belongings scattered nearby. Local police have indicated that initial investigations suggest the driver may have fallen asleep at the wheel shortly before the bus left the roadway.

According to Hungarian Prime Minister Peter Magyar, the government is taking the incident very seriously and is committed to supporting the victims’ families. He shared the terrible news on social media platform Facebook early on Sunday morning, expressing condolences for those affected by the tragedy.

Reactions from Officials

Polish President Karol Nawrocki expressed his profound sorrow regarding the devastating event, acknowledging the immense loss suffered by families of the deceased. His comments were made via X, highlighting the need for solidarity and support in the wake of such a disaster. The sorrowful news of the bus accident has reverberated across Poland, prompting an outpouring of grief from the nation.

In response to the accident, Polish Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski confirmed that the consular service has been mobilised to assist the victims and their families. On the same platform, he noted that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is liaising with Hungarian authorities to ensure timely and accurate information is relayed to the families of those affected. The Ministry is committed to providing verified updates as further details emerge from the ongoing investigation.

Authorities in Hungary have announced that they have taken the bus driver into custody as part of their investigation into the circumstances leading up to the crash. This is standard procedure in serious accidents to determine accountability and ensure that all relevant factors are thoroughly examined.

Investigation Underway

The Hungarian police are continuing to gather evidence and conduct interviews as they delve deeper into the causes of this tragic incident. They are reviewing various aspects, including the bus’s mechanical condition, driver protocols, and the overall safety regulations that govern such travel. The findings of this investigation are anticipated to inform future safety measures for passenger transport in Hungary.

Local residents and authorities have expressed their shock at the incident, with many offering their condolences and support to the grieving families. There are calls for increased safety measures on busy motorways to prevent such tragedies from occurring in the future.

The Polish Ministry of Foreign Affairs has pledged to provide ongoing support to the victims’ families while they navigate this difficult time. Support services are reportedly being arranged to assist both the injured and the families who lost loved ones in the tragic event.

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