The crash occurred at around 1 a.m. on the M3 motorway. The bus was carrying 57 passengers and two drivers, all Polish citizens. According to Hungarian police, the vehicle left the road, entered a ditch, and overturned. Preliminary information indicated that the driver may have fallen asleep at the wheel. One of the drivers has been detained by Hungarian authorities.
Of the 59 people on board, 12 died, while ten others suffered very serious injuries and remain in hospitals in Hungary. The remaining 37 passengers sustained less serious injuries.
Polish authorities have launched an investigation into the crash. The District Prosecutor's Office in Krosno said that investigative activities are planned at the scene with the participation of a Polish prosecutor. Poland's Prosecutor General and Justice Minister Waldemar Żurek said that Polish prosecutors were working closely with Hungarian authorities and coordinating their actions with Polish consular services.
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk said on Sunday he had ordered a special aircraft to be sent to Hungary carrying representatives of the Foreign Ministry and medical services. He also spoke with Hungarian Prime Minister Peter Magyar and thanked him for the assistance provided by Hungarian emergency services, rescuers and doctors.
The Ministry of National Defence also prepared additional military transport and medical evacuation capabilities. A CASA aircraft and a military medical evacuation team were placed on standby in case injured Polish citizens needed to be transported home.
A special aircraft carrying Polish officials and medical specialists left Warsaw shortly after 8 p.m. on Sunday. The medical team includes an anaesthesiologist, a surgeon, an orthopaedist and three paramedics. Their task is to assess the condition of the injured and determine whether they can safely be transported to Poland. Hospitals in Poland have also been prepared to receive patients if necessary.
The two bus drivers were questioned by Hungarian police. According to Deputy Foreign Minister Wojciech Zajączkowski, one driver was released while the other was detained. He stressed that it was too early to conclude responsibility for the crash and that the circumstances would first have to be established by Hungarian investigators.
The identification of the 12 victims is under way, with a Polish consul taking part in the process. The company that insured the pilgrims has declared that it will cover the costs of bringing the victims' bodies back to Poland.
The Polish Embassy in Budapest has opened a dedicated hotline for relatives seeking information about the accident. The Podkarpackie regional authorities have also provided contact numbers for families and arranged psychological support for those affected.
President Karol Nawrocki and senior Polish officials expressed their condolences to the families and loved ones of those who died.
The tragedy has also prompted public commemorations in Poland. A minute of silence will be observed at noon on Monday at the Podkarpackie Provincial Office in Rzeszów. State
The investigation into the cause of the accident is continuing, while Polish and Hungarian authorities remain in contact over the condition of the injured and the identification and repatriation of the victims.
(aj)
SOURCE: IAR; PAP