Key facts
- Hungarian prosecutors are seeking the detention of a Polish bus driver.
- The driver is suspected of falling asleep at the wheel, causing a fatal crash.
- The accident occurred early Sunday in eastern Hungary.
- Twelve people died and dozens were injured.
- The bus was carrying 57 pilgrims returning from Bosnia.
Hungarian prosecutors announced Tuesday they are seeking the continued detention of a Polish bus driver suspected of falling asleep at the wheel, leading to a crash that killed 12 people and injured dozens in eastern Hungary early Sunday. The bus, carrying 57 pilgrims returning from a shrine in Bosnia, ran into a ditch and overturned near Mezokeresztes. Twelve individuals died at the scene or en route to the hospital, with three sustaining life-threatening injuries and 20 others seriously hurt. Police questioned the driver on suspicion of negligently causing a road accident resulting in mass fatalities. Prosecutors stated that, based on the current investigation, the driver was incapable of safely operating the vehicle due to fatigue. Under Hungarian law, suspects can be held for up to 72 hours without a court order, prompting prosecutors to request pre-trial detention due to concerns about the driver fleeing or interfering with the investigation.