Snow chaos in western Hungary: Bus overturns, 12 injured as storms paralyse transport – photos

A serious road accident left 12 people injured on Friday morning near Zalaegerszeg in Hungary, after a regional coach slid off the snowy and icy road and overturned in wintry conditions.

According to local authorities, the bus was travelling on Route 76 from Bagod towards Zalaegerszeg when strong crosswinds pushed the vehicle off the snow- and slush-covered carriageway and into a roadside ditch, MTI reported. There were 12 people on board, including the driver.

Two passengers suffered serious injuries while ten others were treated for minor wounds. Ambulances transported all of them to hospital.

Several cars travelling behind the bus also collided due to the slippery surface, although no further injuries or major damage were reported. Police fully closed the affected section of the main road and diverted traffic towards Apátfa.

Dramatic rescue through rear window and windscreen

Disaster management teams said some passengers managed to climb out through the rear window. Firefighters had to cut through the windscreen to free four trapped people.

The Zalaegerszeg accident was reportedly the most serious of a string of incidents linked to rapidly worsening winter weather across western Hungary.

Sixteen buses involved in weather-related accidents

Transport authorities described the situation in the region as “critical”. State railway company MÁV issued an extraordinary warning urging people not to travel unless absolutely necessary.

According to 444.hu, no fewer than 16 Volán intercity buses slid off icy or snowy roads during the day, most of them ending up in ditches.