12 Killed, dozens injured as tourist Bus plunges into ravine in Hungary

At least 12 people were killed and dozens more injured after a tourist bus carrying Polish passengers veered off a motorway and plunged

BUDAPEST: At least 12 people were killed and dozens more injured after a tourist bus carrying Polish passengers veered off a motorway and plunged into a ravine in Hungary, according to police and emergency authorities.

The tragic accident took place on Sunday when the bus left the M3 motorway, which connects the Hungarian capital Budapest with the northeastern city of Nyiregyhaza, before crashing into a ravine. Authorities said the passengers travelling on the bus were Polish nationals.

Police launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash. Initial findings suggest that the accident may have occurred after the driver fell asleep while driving. Following the incident, police took the bus driver into custody as investigators began examining the possible causes of the crash.

According to Hungary’s public broadcaster, a total of 57 passengers and two drivers were travelling on the bus when it crashed. Rescue teams immediately arrived at the scene and began a difficult operation to evacuate the passengers and recover those trapped inside or beneath the heavily damaged vehicle.

Emergency workers faced significant challenges because of the size and weight of the bus. The vehicle reportedly weighed around 24 tonnes, making it difficult to move using conventional rescue equipment. Before cranes arrived at the scene, rescue workers attempted to lift the rear axle of the bus in an effort to reach and rescue people who were trapped underneath it.

After the necessary heavy equipment arrived, cranes were used to lift the entire bus and assist rescuers in completing the operation. The rescue effort continued as emergency personnel searched the wreckage and surrounding area for injured passengers and victims.

Hungary’s ambulance service said that 10 people sustained serious injuries in the accident. They were provided with emergency medical treatment at the scene before being transported to hospitals for further care. Another 37 passengers suffered minor injuries and were also treated by emergency teams.

The authorities continued to assess the condition of the injured and investigate the exact circumstances that led to the crash. Officials are expected to examine the driver’s condition, the vehicle’s mechanical state, road conditions and other possible factors that may have contributed to the accident.

The deadly crash has caused grief in both Hungary and Poland, particularly among the families of those who were travelling on the bus. The incident also highlighted the challenges faced by emergency services when dealing with large vehicles involved in serious road accidents.

Hungarian Prime Minister Peter Magyar expressed his condolences to the families of those who lost their lives in the tragedy. He also conveyed his sympathies to those injured in the crash and wished them a speedy recovery.

Authorities have continued their investigation into the accident, while emergency and medical teams have remained engaged in providing assistance to the injured. Further details about the identities of the victims and the final cause of the crash are expected to emerge as the investigation progresses.

The incident is among the latest serious road accidents involving tourist transportation in Europe and has raised renewed concerns about passenger safety, driver fatigue and road safety measures on major highways.