Tragic Bus Crash on Hungarian Motorway Claims 12 Lives

At about 1 a.m. on Sunday morning, a Polish tourist bus travelling north‑east from Budapest skidded off the M3 motorway and broke into a ditch. The vehicle overturned and struck a concrete wall, forcing a chaotic rescue operation.

The Incident

Motorist reports say the bus struck the road’s shoulder and dropped into a shallow ditch. Firefighters had to lift the rear axle before a heavy‑lift crane could bring the entire bus upright. The wrecked vehicle weighed 24 tonnes and was severely damaged.

Casualties and Rescue Efforts

Of the 57 individuals on board, 12 passengers unfortunately died. Thirty‑five survivors and two drivers were rescued, though many suffered serious injuries. Hungary’s ambulance service reported one person with life‑threatening wounds, nine with serious injuries and 37 with minor injuries.

Official Response

Police took the suspected driver into custody. Prime Minister Péter Magyar issued heartfelt condolences to the families of those who lost their lives and expressed wishes for a quick recovery for the injured.

Looking Forward

This tragedy highlights the need for vigilant road safety protocols, especially on busy international routes. Authorities are reviewing driver fatigue protocols and crash‑resistance improvements for tourist and commercial vehicles.