Hungary Bus Crash Driver Detained After 12 Polish Pilgrims Killed on M3 Motorway

BUDAPEST, Hungary — Hungarian police detained the driver of a Polish tour bus that overturned on the M3 motorway near Mezőkeresztes early Sunday, August 16, killing 12 people and injuring dozens more.

Polish Deputy Foreign Minister Wojciech Zajączkowski announced the detention Sunday evening after police questioned both drivers who had been traveling aboard the bus. One was released, while the driver believed to have been behind the wheel during the crash remained in custody.

Authorities cautioned that the investigation was continuing and that no final determination of responsibility had been made.

Bus Carried Polish Pilgrims

The bus was carrying 57 passengers and two drivers back to Poland’s Podkarpackie region following a pilgrimage to Međugorje in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Police said it left the roadway near the Mezőkeresztes exit at approximately 1 a.m., entered a ditch and overturned. Preliminary evidence indicated the driver may have fallen asleep.

Eleven people died at the scene, while another victim later died at a hospital. At least 10 people sustained serious injuries, and dozens of other passengers suffered moderate or minor injuries.

Emergency crews used heavy equipment to reach passengers trapped beneath the overturned bus.

Police Investigation Continues

Hungarian authorities completed the crash-scene investigation and vehicle recovery operation before reopening the affected section of the M3 motorway.

Polish officials are assisting the victims and coordinating with Hungarian authorities. A special flight carrying medical personnel was also arranged to help survivors and return passengers able to travel.