12 Polish Tourists Killed in Hungary Bus Crash

What Happened on the Road
The bus was carrying passengers who were mostly from Poland's southeastern Podkarpacie region, and they were on their way home after completing a pilgrimage in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Early investigations point to driver fatigue as the likely cause, with Hungarian police indicating that the driver may have fallen asleep behind the wheel before the crash occurred. In total, 37 people were injured alongside the 12 who lost their lives.

At the press briefing, Zajączkowski confirmed that Hungarian authorities had questioned two drivers who were on board the bus, and that one of them, the driver, has since been taken into custody. He was careful not to share additional details at this stage, explaining that the investigation is still in Hungarian police's hands. He noted that once their findings are complete, the information will be passed along to Polish authorities and made public at that point.

He also gave an update on the injured, confirming that 10 passengers remain in serious condition and are currently being treated across hospitals in four different cities in eastern Hungary.

Poland Sends Medical Support
In response to the crash, Poland is sending a plane loaded with consular staff and medical personnel to Hungary to assist with the situation on the ground. Deputy Health Minister Katarzyna Kacperczyk described the medical team as including an anaesthesiologist, a surgeon, an orthopaedic surgeon, and three paramedics, all traveling to evaluate the condition of the injured and determine whether any of them can be safely brought back to Poland for continued treatment.

Kacperczyk added that ambulances have already been placed on standby in case road transport becomes necessary for bringing patients home. She also reassured the public that hospitals and medical centers throughout Poland are fully prepared and ready to receive and treat those injured in the crash.