Bus crash in Hungary kills 12 Polish pilgrims
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The gist
A bus carrying Polish pilgrims crashed on Hungary's M3 motorway, killing 12 and injuring 10 seriously.
The crash renews focus on pilgrim travel safety after similar past tragedies.
Background
The bus was returning from a Catholic pilgrimage to Međugorje in Bosnia and Herzegovina, a popular destination for Polish Catholics. It crashed near Mezőkeresztes on the M3 motorway at around 1 a.m. local time on August 16, 2026. Police suspect the driver fell asleep, and the driver survived and was taken into custody. Polish and Hungarian leaders expressed condolences, and Poland dispatched an emergency mission to Hungary.
How it unfolded
- Aug 16, 2026 01:00Bus veered off the M3 motorway near Mezőkeresztes, overturned into a ditch, killing 12 and injuring others.
- Aug 16, 2026 morningHungarian PM confirmed 12 dead and at least 10 seriously injured; Polish foreign ministry set up helpline.
- Aug 16, 2026 laterPoland dispatched aircraft with consular and medical staff to Hungary; investigation led by Polish prosecutors from Krosno.
Who’s saying what
- Police
- Initial findings suggest the driver fell asleep; driver survived and was taken into custody.
- Officials
- Polish and Hungarian leaders expressed condolences and thanked emergency services.
- Infrastructure Minister
- Poland's infrastructure minister announced enhanced checks on buses and drivers' working hours.
Still unverified
Early reports suggested the driver had probably fallen asleep, but this is not confirmed; the bus company owner said the vehicle was driven by two experienced drivers.