Tourism industry reacts after tragic accident of Polish bus in Hungary

A devastating bus accident in Hungary, carrying Polish pilgrims back from Medjugorje in Bosnia and Herzegovina, has claimed the lives of 12 people and left dozens injured. The incident has sent shockwaves through the public and the tourism industry, prompting renewed scrutiny of safety protocols for international coach travel.

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With deep sadness, we received the news of the tragic accident of the Polish bus, which occurred in Hungary.

Preliminary reports suggest the driver may have fallen asleep at the wheel. This tragedy echoes a similar fatal accident in Croatia four years prior, which also involved pilgrims traveling to Medjugorje and resulted in 12 fatalities. Investigations into that earlier crash revealed driver errors, including excessive speed and misjudging fatigue, and also implicated an illegally operating organizer.

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On behalf of the Polish Tourism Chamber, we extend our most sincere condolences to the Families and Loved Ones of the Victims.

Data indicates a grim history of such incidents, with nearly 60 Polish pilgrims reportedly killed in bus accidents since 2002. The current accident has galvanized industry organizations, including the Polish Tourism Chamber and the European Association of Tourism Entrepreneurs, to issue statements.

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We offer our deepest sympathy to the families and loved ones of the victims. We wish all the injured a speedy recovery, and all participants of the trip and their families strength and perseverance.

These organizations conveyed their deepest condolences to the families of the victims and offered support to the injured. They also expressed gratitude to the rescue services for their swift response and assistance. However, both groups emphasized the need for restraint in commenting on the accident's causes at this early stage, deferring to the ongoing official investigation. The Polish Tourism Chamber also noted that the organizer of this particular trip was not a member of their organization.

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We express our deep gratitude to all individuals, services, institutions, and authorities involved in providing assistance, coordinating actions, and supporting the injured and their families.