Polish Pilgrims' Bus Crashes in Hungary, Killing at Least 12

A tragic accident occurred on Hungary's M3 motorway early Sunday morning when a Polish coach carrying pilgrims veered off the road, crashed into a ditch, and overturned, resulting in at least 12 fatalities. Emergency services reported that 47 other individuals sustained injuries, with 10 of them suffering serious wounds.

The incident took place near Mezokeresztes, approximately 140 kilometers (87 miles) east of Budapest. Authorities in Miskolc, the district capital, stated that preliminary investigations suggest the driver may have fallen asleep at the wheel during the overnight journey. The driver has since been arrested in connection with the crash.

According to Poland's PAP news agency, the bus was carrying a group of 59 people, including the two drivers, who were pilgrims returning from Bosnia-Herzegovina. The group originated from the Podkarpackie province in southeastern Poland. Fourteen ambulances were dispatched to the scene to provide immediate medical assistance, and rescue teams worked to free passengers trapped beneath the overturned vehicle.

Both Hungarian and Polish leaders have expressed their condolences. Hungarian Prime Minister Peter Magyar conveyed his sympathies to the victims' families via Facebook and thanked the emergency responders. Polish President Karol Nawrocki shared his profound shock, offering his thoughts and prayers to the families and loved ones of those affected by the "unimaginable tragedy."

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In the face of this unimaginable tragedy, which affects us all, my thoughts and prayers go out to the families and loved ones of the victims.