Fatal coach crash in eastern Hungary

At least 12 people have died after a Polish coach crashed into a ditch and overturned in eastern Hungary, according to Hungarian police. The accident occurred on the M3 motorway near Mezokeresztes, around 140 kilometers east of Budapest.

The bus was carrying 59 people, including two drivers, according to reports by Poland's PAP news agency, which identified the group as pilgrims from Podkarpackie province in southeastern Poland. They were returning from Bosnia-Herzegovina, PAP reported.

Emergency services said 47 other people were injured, 10 seriously. Fourteen ambulances were deployed to the scene, and Hungary's National Directorate for Disaster Management said several passengers had been trapped under the vehicle when it overturned.

Cause under investigation

Police believe the driver fell asleep at the wheel during the overnight journey into Sunday, and he was subsequently arrested. Vatican News, citing an initial reconstruction, also suggested the bus may have veered off the road because the driver dozed off, but noted an investigation is underway to determine the exact causes.

Condolences from leaders and Church

Hungarian Prime Minister Peter Magyar voiced condolences to the families of the victims in a Facebook message and thanked emergency and rescue services. Polish President Karol Nawrocki said he was deeply shaken, writing on X: "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."

Pope Leo XIV sent a telegram of condolence, expressing his "spiritual closeness" to all those affected. The telegram, signed by Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Parolin and addressed to Archbishop Adam Szal of Przemyśl and Bishop Jan Wątroba of Rzeszów, offered special prayers for those who, "returning from their pilgrimage of faith, have concluded their earthly pilgrimage." The Pope entrusted the victims to the mercy of God and invoked the intercession of Our Lady of Częstochowa, imparting his apostolic blessing as "a sign of paternal closeness and Christian hope."

The Polish and Hungarian Bishops' Conferences also expressed their condolences and offered prayers for the victims and the injured.