**At Least 12 People Killed in Hungary Bus Crash**
On August 16, 2026, a tragic bus accident in eastern Hungary resulted in the deaths of at least 12 individuals and left 10 others seriously injured. The incident occurred on the M3 motorway near the town of Mezokeresztes, approximately 140 kilometers (87 miles) east of Budapest.
The bus, which was registered in Poland, was carrying 57 passengers and two drivers as it traveled from Serbia to Poland when it veered off the road and overturned into a ditch. According to police reports, 11 people were pronounced dead at the scene, while another succumbed to injuries shortly after being transported to a hospital. In addition to the fatalities, emergency services reported that 37 passengers sustained minor injuries.
Rescue operations were complicated as firefighters and other emergency personnel had to extricate some passengers through the bus windows due to the severity of the crash. Preliminary investigations suggest that the driver may have fallen asleep at the wheel, leading to the bus's deviation from the road. Following the incident, the bus driver was taken into custody by authorities.
In response to the tragedy, Hungarian Prime Minister Peter Magyar expressed his condolences to the victims' families and acknowledged the efforts of the rescue teams who responded to the scene.
Polish Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski confirmed that the Polish consular service was operational and in contact with Hungarian authorities to provide support and verified information regarding the accident. Polish President Karol Nawrocki also expressed his sorrow over the loss of life, highlighting the impact of the tragedy on the Polish community.
This incident marks the deadliest road accident in Hungary since 2003, when a train collided with a German tourist bus in Siofok, resulting in 33 fatalities. The current crash has raised concerns about road safety and the need for improved measures to prevent similar tragedies in the future. As investigations continue, authorities are expected to provide further updates on the circumstances surrounding the accident and the status of the injured passengers.