Tragic crash on the M3: at least 12 killed as Polish coach overturns in Hungary
Polish tourist coach overturned near Mezőkeresztes on the M3; 57 people were on board and at least 12 died.
At least 12 people have died after a Polish tourist coach ran off the M3 motorway in eastern Hungary and overturned into a ditch, officials said on the morning of August 16, 2026.
The bus was travelling toward Nyíregyháza when the crash occurred near Mezőkeresztes. Hungarian authorities report the vehicle carried 57 passengers and two drivers.
Rescue teams struggled to reach survivors
Emergency crews evacuated 35 people from the overturned coach, but several passengers remained trapped beneath the vehicle. More than ten people suffered serious injuries, according to official updates.
Fire brigades worked to lift the rear axle of the coach, which rescuers say weighs about 24 tonnes, so they could reach those pinned under the wreckage. Crews entered the vehicle through windows to assist injured passengers.
The stretch of the M3 motorway at Mezőkeresztes was closed while investigators carried out an on-site inspection and traffic was redirected. Hungarian Prime Minister Peter Magyar confirmed the fatal crash took place overnight and authorities opened an investigation into the cause.
Photo: press material from the event
