Terror scare in Hungarian schools: Pupils evacuated after multiple bomb threat emails

Several schools in Hungary’s Hajdú-Bihar county were forced to evacuate on Friday following the arrival of threatening emails. The warnings targeted both primary and secondary schools in cities including Debrecen, Hajdúdorog, and Berettyóújfalu.

The county police chief’s office confirmed that the messages likely originated from a single source. “Investigations have been launched for suspected threats to commit a terrorist act,” the authorities said, adding that officers had so far found no explosives or devices capable of detonation on school grounds.

Immediate evacuations and safety measures after bomb threats

In Hajdúdorog, the Nagy Szent Bazil Greek Catholic Educational Centre was evacuated after receiving a threatening email, HAON writes. Mayor Zoltán Horváth took to Facebook to reassure parents, stating that both the primary and secondary school buildings were cleared promptly. Children were relocated safely and systematically, and the local authorities, in cooperation with the school, are prepared to provide alternative arrangements if necessary.

Similarly, in Debrecen, the Szent József Primary School and the Dóczy Gymnasium of the Reformed College were evacuated as a precaution. In Berettyóújfalu, students and teachers from the Arany János Gymnasium were temporarily moved to the local cultural centre while police conducted a full search of the school premises.

Cross-border threats reported

Bomb threats were also reported at Hungarian-language schools in Zakarpattia, Ukraine. According to local media, several institutions, including schools in Beregszász, Jánosi, Gáti, Nagymuzsaly, Sárosoroszi, and Borzsova, received emails claiming the presence of explosive devices, Index reported.

A worrying repeat of last year’s incidents

A wave of bomb threats swept Hungarian schools in January 2025. On 23 January 2025, 308 schools received threatening emails containing Islamist messages; no explosives were found, and international authorities, including Interpol, joined the investigation, though the perpetrator was never identified. A week later, 44 more institutions were evacuated following further threats, again with no devices discovered.

Under Hungarian law, individuals who issue threats causing public danger can face up to five years in prison. If classified as a threat to commit a terrorist act, offenders may face sentences of up to eight years.

Authorities continue investigations

Police continue to examine the affected school buildings in accordance with established protocols. Parents and staff have been kept informed, and authorities emphasise that the situation is being handled carefully to ensure the safety of all students.