Human remains found in a car recovered from the Danube in Hungary, solving a decade-old mystery

Hungarian authorities say a long-standing missing persons mystery may finally be close to resolution after divers recovered a car containing human remains from the bed of the River Danube near Paks.

A more than 10-year-old mystery finally solved

The case dates back to 29 July 2015, when a 48-year-old local man and his vehicle were last seen in the town. According to official information, he spoke to his wife by phone late that evening but became unreachable soon afterwards.

His family initially searched for him themselves before reporting his disappearance to police. Despite extensive efforts involving officers and volunteer search-and-rescue teams, no trace was found at the time, Blikk reported.

For years, the investigation yielded no new leads. The breakthrough came recently when the car’s front bumper, still bearing its registration plate, washed ashore on the right bank of the Danube outside Paks. This discovery prompted renewed underwater searches by specialist rescue divers.

The car’s bumper helped the police find the car in the Danube

Using sonar equipment, teams detected a large metallic object lying about five metres below the surface in January. Divers from local rescue organisations, working alongside national units, descended into the cold water and eventually located an overturned vehicle embedded in the riverbed. On 9 February, the wreck was successfully lifted to the surface.

Inside the car, authorities found a body. Forensic examinations have been ordered to confirm the person’s identity, though initial medical assessments indicate no signs of foul play. Police in Paks are continuing administrative proceedings to clarify the circumstances of the case.

Hungarian media reports suggest the remains are likely those of a man born in 1967 who had been officially listed as missing since 2015. According to earlier police notices, he had left home voluntarily and may have been in a distressed state at the time.