At least 12 people were killed and 10 others injured after a Polish-registered tourist bus overturned on a motorway in eastern Hungary early Sunday, authorities said. The crash took place near the town of Mezokeresztes as the bus was travelling towards Nyiregyhaza, turning a routine journey into a major road accident involving dozens of passengers. Hungarian police said the bus was travelling on the M3 motorway when it veered off a straight section of the road, entered a ditch and overturned. The accident happened during the early hours of Sunday. Emergency services were dispatched to the site following the crash, where the badly damaged vehicle was found lying on its side. The circumstances of the accident are being investigated by Hungarian authorities.

State news agency MTI reported that there were 57 passengers and two drivers aboard the bus. Photographs from the scene showed a red bus heavily damaged and resting on one side in a ditch beside the motorway. Several windows appeared to have been smashed, while luggage, personal belongings and suitcases were scattered around the crash site, indicating the force of the impact. Police said preliminary information suggested that the driver may have fallen asleep while driving. The bus subsequently left the motorway and overturned after entering the ditch. Authorities have not, however, established a final cause for the crash, and the suggestion that driver fatigue contributed to the accident remains part of the preliminary findings. Investigators are expected to examine the driver's condition, the vehicle and other circumstances surrounding the journey.

Hungarian Prime Minister Peter Magyar confirmed the deaths and injuries in a Facebook post on Sunday morning. The accident prompted a response from Poland, as the bus was registered in the country and many of those aboard were understood to be Polish citizens. Polish authorities have been monitoring the situation and working to establish further details about the victims and survivors. Polish President Karol Nawrocki expressed his condolences following the crash. In a post on X, he said he had received the news of the accident with deep sorrow and mourned the deaths of Polish citizens. His statement came as authorities in both countries dealt with the aftermath of the accident and worked to support those affected.

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The crash occurred on the M3, one of Hungary's major motorways, which connects Budapest with northeastern parts of the country and provides a key route towards destinations including Nyiregyhaza. The accident occurred on a straight stretch of road, according to police, before the bus suddenly left the carriageway. The precise reason for the deviation remains under investigation. Emergency teams worked at the scene to rescue passengers and provide medical assistance. At least 10 people were reported injured and taken for treatment. Authorities had not immediately provided a detailed breakdown of the severity of their injuries or their current medical conditions. The death toll and injury figures could also be subject to further updates as officials continue identifying those involved.

The accident has raised concerns about passenger safety and driver fatigue on long-distance journeys, particularly when buses operate overnight. While police have cited possible driver sleep as an initial factor, investigators will need to establish whether fatigue, mechanical problems, road conditions or another factor contributed to the crash before determining responsibility. Authorities are continuing their investigation into the accident, while officials are expected to provide further information about the victims, the injured passengers and the circumstances of the journey. Families of those involved are being notified as identification procedures continue. The Hungarian and Polish authorities are coordinating on the response following the fatal crash.

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