accident

Budapest court orders retrial in Hableány boat accident case

The Budapest Appeals Court has ordered a retrial of the first-instance procedure in the criminal case connected to the accident of the Hableány sightseeing boat, which collided with a cruise ship on the Danube in Budapest in May 2019, killing 28 of the 35 people on board.

The first-instance court sentenced the captain of the Viking Sigyn, the cruise ship, to 5.5 years in prison. The Appeals Court ordered a retrial, saying the judge in the case was biased. The accused remains under supervision during the trial, the ruling said. A judge participating in the sentencing procedure should have been recused from the trial, as they seemed to be unable to make impartial decisions, the court said. That runs afoul of procedural regulations, and so is a reason for retrial, the statement said.

The Hableány tragedy

In the accident on 29 May 2019, the Viking Sigyn cruise ship collided with the Hableány sightseeing boat which had 33 South Korean tourists on board and a crew of two Hungarians. Seven tourists were rescued from the water after the collision and the rest died. One of the bodies has not been recovered. The prosecutor’s office brought charges against the Ukrainian captain in July 2022. Today, the court convicted him of negligence by endangering river traffic and causing a lethal accident. In a civil lawsuit brought in connection with the accident, the Municipal Court awarded some HUF 2 billion (EUR 4.8 million) in damages to the families of the victims. The damages are to be paid by two shipping companies.

Related articles from the time of the tragedy:

January 16, 2025

Drama in the Alps: Hungarian hiker rescued, urgent search for missing partner – picture, video

As already reported in the Slovenian press, two Hungarian citizens got in trouble on Sunday at an altitude of around 1700 meters in the Kamniki Alps, North Slovenia. Mountain rescuers managed to find the female member of the pair and are now reportedly bringing her down. The man has not been found so far.

The two Hungarian hikers called the special rescue services on the phone on Sunday and have been in contact with them, but conversations have been limited to the most urgent matters to save batteries, and due to the weak reception.

The rescue team set out on foot to rescue them and the driver noted at the time that, given the circumstances, they were probably both hypothermic but could have all the essential supplies.

Jernej Lanisek said that this was one of the most challenging rescue missions of the year and warned that hikers should first check the weather forecast before heading into the mountains and adapt the trek to their abilities and skills.

“We are close, but we will certainly not be able to rescue them both before the evening,” said Jernej Lanisek, noting that the rescue would continue in the traditional way and that there were currently 43 mountain rescuers on the ground.

The rescue services revealed that the intense snowfall and blizzards have been a major threat to the rescuers in recent hours, which is why they decided to temporarily close the operation and then restart it.

In the afternoon, news came in that one of the hikers, a Hungarian woman, had been found by mountain rescuers in the Alps, but her companion was still missing. The search for the other hiker is still ongoing.

Mountain rescuers were directed to the female hiker from a helicopter. The man who was supposed to be with her was not spotted from the air.

On Monday afternoon, Jernej Lanisek, head of the rescue team, told the Slovenian news agency STA that one of the hikers, a woman, had been found and was being carried down the mountain. The other hiker is a man who is believed to have fallen and broken his leg. There is no information on his whereabouts at the moment, and the search for him is continuing, Mr Lanisek said.

The helicopter took off twice on Monday but was unable to approach the Hungarians because of strong wind gusts.

It is likely to be no sooner than Monday evening before the two Hungarian hikers trapped in the Kamniki Alps in northern Slovenia can be rescued and taken down. We will update this article as soon as we have new information.

UPDATE

“The action ends today; we will continue the search when the conditions allow.”

December 23, 2024

Tragedy on Hungarian motorway: minibus offering aid hit in deadly accident

Two people were killed and several others injured after several vehicles collided on the M5 motorway on the Budapest-bound side at Inárcs, the press officer of the Pest County Police Headquarters told MTI on Monday morning.

Anita Váraljai said that the accident happened when an SUV drove into a ditch on the motorway, and then a Romanian car drove into a minibus parked in the emergency lane. Two people were killed on the spot, one seriously injured and one slightly injured. The injured were taken to hospital by ambulance.

According to Útinform’s website, only the inside lane is open at km 38, with traffic congestion.

As we wrote today about an accident on the Danube, a hundred-metre barge lost control in Budapest. Video, photos and details HERE.

December 23, 2024

Accident on the Danube: a hundred-metre barge lost control in Budapest – video, photos

A barge collided with several smaller boats near the Margaret Bridge. We will keep you updated with details of the accident.

The police reported on the boat accident at Margaret Bridge. The Budapest Police Headquarters (BRFK) said that according to current information, the accident did not affect the bridge pier.

The BRFK told 444 that the barge was travelling uphill, i.e., against the direction of the Danube, when the rope of the push barge broke, causing the barge to turn. It then collided with a harbour where two other vessels were moored. It is claimed that it did not hit the Margaret Bridge (Margit híd). It’s important to note that there were no personal injuries in the collision.

A huge barge has broken free on the Danube near Budapest, damaging several boats. Photo: MTI

A video of the incident is circulating on social media, with a user posting his own footage on his TikTok channel, showing the barge at an angle, with its front end making contact with several smaller boats alongside. Firefighters were also called to the scene, but, as it turned out, their assistance was not needed.

@asmodrawz
2024.12.22 Margit hídnál teherhajó neki ütközött és lerombolta a kikötőt a !! #budapest #baleset #margithíd #crash #ship
♬ original sound – Asmo Drawz

@jzsef427
FRISS: Hajóbaleset a Dunán❗️Több hajónak is nekicsapódott, aztán a Margit hídnak ütközött egy uszály ott, ahol korábban a Hableány elsüllyedt. Fotók és részletek itt 👉 https://budapestkornyeke.hu/hajobaleset-a-dunan-tobb-hajonak-csapodott-egy-iranyithatatlan-uszaly-majd-a-margit-hidnak-utkozott-fotok/
♬ eredeti hang – Ihász Dominika

The police are investigating the circumstances of the accident in a criminal investigation to establish whether anyone is criminally liable.

As we wrote yesterday, a Hungarian boat burned and sank, and the owner almost died – details and video here.

UPDATE

Soma Csécsi, a spokesman for the Budapest Police Headquarters (BRFK), told Index on Monday that a case has been opened for the misdemeanour of endangering water transport, in which a Ukrainian citizen, whose navigation licence has been revoked, has been questioned as a suspect.

Cruises on the Danube

The accident does not affect the operation of boats operated by the Budapest Public Transport Company (BKV), the evening boat service, including the Light Boat, they added.

December 23, 2024

VIDEO: Hungarian boat burned and sank, owner almost died

A Hungarian boat on River Tisza caught fire and burned down sinking into the waters yesterday evening. Tények, a Hungarian news broadcast service, shared a video about the accident. The owner could barely escape.

According to index.hu, the owner of a Hungarian boat could barely escape from the vessel and suffered injuries after it caught fire and started to burn near the beach of Rakamaz. The owner of the 12-metre-long boat suffered burns while trying to save his assets.

Firefighters had to be especially cautious since there were fuel tanks on board. Consequently, they separated them from the fire first. Another challenge for the firefighters was that the boat was accessible only through a narrow bridge. Unfortunately, they could not save the vessel. The fire consumed the boat which sank below water level.

Check out a video below:

Read also:

Shocking video: tram slams into bus, driver thrown from vehicle

December 22, 2024

Workplace accidents and injuries: 7 key steps to minimize risk and liability

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Workplace accidents are more than simply a potential threat to employees’ safety; they may also be costly, inconvenient, and demoralizing. Companies lose time, money, and credibility whenever an injury occurs on the job, no matter how little, such as when someone slips, something breaks, or someone is violent. A single event may damage the company’s trust and culture and have financial consequences. Businesses can lessen the likelihood of accidents and legal liability by assessing risks, putting safety measures in place, and being ready for everything. To make their workplace safer and more secure, every company should adhere to these 7 critical procedures. Prevention is excellent for business and good for your health.

Evaluate the Risks in the Workplace

Recognizing potential dangers is the first step toward a safe workplace. Identifying and analyzing the effect of risks on workers is an important part of a comprehensive risk assessment. These hazards might include poorly lighted stairwells, broken equipment, or slippery surfaces. Subtle dangers, including workplace ergonomics or repetitive stress injuries, shouldn’t be disregarded. According to SteinLaw, a gunshot victim lawyer group, “If you take the time to regularly evaluate these hazards, you may make your workplace safer and stop issues before they become accidents.”

Involve staff in risk assessments to increase the likelihood of success. In many cases, they are the first to notice issues since they work on the ground. Make sure to record all the details. Not only does it show that you care about safety, but it also makes you less liable in the event of an accident.

Provide Staff with Training on Safety Procedures

When it comes to safety, knowledge is power. Workers can avoid accidents and respond to crises better if they get regular, well-structured safety training. First, get a good grasp on the most typical dangers in your company. In a workplace, it may be the presence of heavy equipment; in an office, it could be the need for proper posture and proximity to fire escapes. Make sure your training is tailored to these particulars.

Engage trainees and make training fun. If you want your workers to remember what they’ve learned instead of dozing off during another presentation, try using simulations, quizzes, and films. The why should take precedence over the what.

Establish and Maintain Safety Policies for the Workplace

Having well-defined and consistently implemented safety regulations is crucial for their effectiveness. Create a thorough safety document that covers all bases, from reporting hazards to emergency procedures. All workers, supervisors, and outside contractors should refer to it as the company safety manual.

But words alone won’t cut it. Every aspect of daily operations must include them. Important roles for supervisors to perform here include setting a good example, communicating expectations, and responding swiftly to infractions. Reward workers who follow safety protocols and make the repercussions of noncompliance very obvious.

Have Appropriate Safety Gear and Instruments

The right equipment may make all the difference at times. Giving workers the proper protective gear may prevent small accidents from becoming major ones. Ensuring workers have access to the right equipment, such as helmets, gloves, harnesses, and ergonomic seats, is crucial for workplace safety.

Invest in long-lasting safety equipment that meets or exceeds industry requirements. Also, prioritize the upkeep of safety equipment. Regular inspections may detect wear and tear before it becomes a danger.

Encourage Openness and Responsibility in Reporting

Unreported warning signs frequently lead to accidents. Workers may fear punishment, criticism, or even being disregarded if they report dangers. It’s critical to create a work environment where employees feel comfortable enough to report safety issues and even celebrate when they do.

An anonymous reporting system for hazards or near-misses should be put in place first. This reduces anxiety and gives workers the confidence to voice their opinions.

Make Your Emergency Plans Visible

If there isn’t a well-defined strategy for handling emergencies, mayhem ensues whenever accidents occur. Employees’ safety and composure in the face of unforeseen events depend on their level of preparation. Develop step-by-step emergency protocols that address everything from fires and spills to workplace violence and severe injuries.

Keep emergency supplies stocked and accessible. This includes first aid kits, fire extinguishers, and evacuation maps. Communication is equally crucial, make sure employees know how to report emergencies quickly and clearly.

Provide Comprehensive Post-Injury Support

Even with the finest safety precautions, accidents may still happen. Start with quick first aid and medical assistance for wounded personnel. Follow up with detailed incident investigations to discover what went wrong and how to avoid similar mishaps. Stay focused on finding answers rather than assigning blame.

Back wounded workers up as they get back on their feet. Modifications to responsibilities or access to services like counselling could fall under this category. Employees can return to work with more self-assurance and confidence when they get a compassionate reaction, which also raises morale.

Disclaimer: the author(s) of the sponsored article(s) are solely responsible for any opinions expressed or offers made. These opinions do not necessarily reflect the official position of Daily News Hungary, and the editorial staff cannot be held responsible for their veracity.

December 19, 2024

Shocking video: tram slams into bus, driver thrown from vehicle

A few days ago, a tram and a bus collided in an accident in the XIV District of the capital. The collision left many people injured, including the bus driver, who was ejected from the vehicle. Now, a harrowing video of the incident has emerged.

As previously reported by Daily News Hungary, a serious accident occurred at the intersection of Nagy Lajos király útja and Telepes utca in Budapest. The collision caused the tram to derail and the bus to crash into a lamp post. Several passengers sustained injuries, including the bus driver, who was seriously hurt. Six people were transported to hospital by ambulance after the accident, some in life-threatening condition. Traffic in the area was paralysed for hours, and authorities are still investigating which driver was at fault.

A video capturing the violent crash was also recorded at the scene:

Cyclist hit by car driven by elderly woman at Astoria – VIDEO

December 16, 2024

Brutal accident: Bus crashes into tram in Budapest, many injured – PHOTOS

A tram and bus collision in Budapest’s XIV district early Tuesday morning left seven people injured, including one in critical condition, and caused significant disruption to public transport.

Brutal accident in District 14

As Szeretlek Magyarország reports, a serious accident occurred at dawn on Tuesday in Zugló, at the intersection of Nagy Lajos király Road and Telepes Street in Budapest’s District 14. A tram and bus collided shortly after 6 am, leaving seven people hospitalised, one in a life-threatening condition, according to the National Ambulance Service. The incident disrupted public transport, with tram services on routes 3 and 62 replaced by buses between Bosnyák Square and Mexikói Road, and several bus routes, including 124, 125, 125B, and 277, were rerouted. On-site recovery was completed by mid-morning, and traffic resumed, BKK Info reported.

Bus crashes into tram in Budapest — MTI/Mihádák Zoltán

Read also:

December 10, 2024

Cyclist hit by car driven by elderly woman at Astoria – VIDEO

An accident in downtown Budapest, on Astoria, in which an elderly woman ran over a cyclist.

A short video was published on BpiAutósok.hu showing a motorist hitting a cyclist at the Astoria intersection and then hitting a taxi.

The portal reports that the driver of the car coming from the right was an elderly lady, and when asked what colour the traffic light was (red, by the way), she replied:

“Was there a traffic light?”

The portal also learned that an ambulance took the man on the bike from the scene of the accident.

You can watch the video here, for the faint-hearted only:

Watch a

Watch this video: Mother and son on inflatable donut hit fallen tree trunk during boat ride – Shocking video

December 3, 2024

New survey shows that Hungary is among the countries where driving is nightmarish

Scrap Car Comparison, a British car industry-focused website, conducted a worldwide survey asking 2,000 drivers about the countries where driving is the most dangerous, stressful, and frightening. Unfortunately, Hungary is among the TOP 15 nerve-racking nations to drive in.

According to Traffix, India is at the top of the list. That is not surprising since the highest number of car accidents happen in the subcontinent. In 2022, there were 461,312 accidents on India’s public roads, more than 168 thousand fatal, based on data published by the Australian Drive Magazine.

The main reasons are the lack of proper infrastructure and proper rules, and the driving customs of the locals.

Venezuela is the second on the list. Among the top reasons are the heavy rains and inundations in the South American country with the lack of maintenance.

Zimbabwe in Africa is the third most dreadful concerning driving because of the high rate of pedestrians dying in car accidents. As a result, local authorities built speed limit devices into the buses, so they cannot exceed 100 km/h.

Hungary is the 15th most dangerous country for drivers

The fourth is Morocco, where the main reason for fatal accidents is speeding. 40% of the accidents are caused by scooters. The fifth is Thailand, where scooters cause 83% of the accidents. There are multiple reasons behind that horrific data. Police are underpaid and lack the resources and skills to apprehend speeders. Furthermore, the development of the local roads did not pay attention to the needs of scooter owners.

Hungary is 15th on the list with 6.52/10. In India, that rate is 7.15/10. Only three more countries are on the list from the Central and Southern European regions. Greece is 23rd, Italy is 24th, while Türkiye is 12th. Interestingly, Japan is 19th.

Read also:

8 handy tips for when you’re driving in Budapest – read more HERE
Hungary’s new Highway Code will shock drivers and transform road safety

Featured image: depositphotos.com

December 1, 2024

Wizz Air flight’s emergency landing in Budapest; Hungarian guest workers’ horrific accident

Dense fog over Debrecen in eastern Hungary forced a Wizz Air flight to make an emergency landing in Budapest. Passengers were later transported to Debrecen by bus. Tragically, on the same day, a horrific accident in Austria claimed the lives of three Hungarian guest workers.

Emergency landing in Budapest due to dense fog

According to Blikk, a Hungarian tabloid, heavy fog enveloped Debrecen earlier today. As a result, a Wizz Air flight from London, scheduled to land in Debrecen this afternoon, was redirected to carry out an emergency landing in Budapest after circling above the eastern Hungarian city.

András Vaskó, a meteorologist from Hungaromet, stated that the fog was expected to persist until Monday afternoon. A cold front moving through Hungary is anticipated to clear the fog. Such weather conditions are common in Hungary during November when anticyclones dominate, and the weaker autumn sunshine cannot evaporate moisture effectively. Fog often lingers until winds disperse it. We previously detailed meteorologists’ forecasts for the upcoming week in THIS article.

András Radó, a spokesperson for Wizz Air, confirmed to Blikk that the flight was unable to land in Debrecen due to the adverse weather conditions. He clarified that not all Hungarian airports are equipped with the ILS landing system, which assists pilots in poor visibility. Following the emergency landing in Budapest, passengers were transported to Debrecen by bus, and the delay was limited to a few hours.

wizz air italy — Photo: **depositphotos.com**

Horrific accident in Austria

Three Hungarian guest workers, employed in Austria’s agricultural sector, lost their lives in a tragic accident near Gänserndorf. Their vehicle collided head-on with a tree, *Kronen Zeitung* reported, though the exact circumstances of the incident remain unclear, as cited by index.hu.

Two additional passengers were resuscitated at the scene and transported to a nearby hospital with severe injuries. According to Austrian police, the victims were aged 29, 30, and 39. They were en route to work in the carrot harvest in Lower Austria when the accident occurred.

Wizz Air flight's emergency landing in Budapest, Hungarian guest workers' horrific accident — Photo: FB/Freiwillige Feuerwehr Leopoldsdorf im Marchfeld

The tragic incident took place on Friday evening amidst dense fog and darkness on the L9 road towards Breitstetten

Read also:

Attention! Wizz Air to impose more fines for oversized baggage – read more HERE
Wizz Air expands horizons: Direct flights from Budapest to 71 airports in 32 countries this winter!

Featured image: illustration, depositphotos.com

November 17, 2024

PHOTOS: Residential building in Miskolc, Hungary collapses after gas explosion

A suspected gas explosion occurred in a brick-built family home in Miskolc, on Erdő sor, early Wednesday morning, causing the building to collapse. The National Directorate General for Disaster Management reported that firefighters rescued three individuals from the debris and transferred them to hospital for treatment.

The rescue operation was carried out by professional firefighters from Miskolc and the Diósgyőr district, under the coordination of the Disaster Management Operations Service. Five fire engines were dispatched to the scene, and experts from the Disaster Management Operations Center also assisted in the efforts.

According to Zsuzsanna Rinyu, deputy spokesperson for the Borsod-Abaúj-Zemplén County Disaster Management Directorate, preliminary assessments indicate that a gas explosion was likely the cause of the incident. Due to the nature of the explosion, specialists from the electricity and gas service providers were also called to the site to secure the area and prevent further risks.

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November 13, 2024

VIDEO: Hungarians’ horror accident in Uzbekistan, a rock smashed their car

Hungarians' horror accident in Uzbekistan, rock smashed their car (Copy)

A huge rock smashed the car of a Hungarian tourist group on Uzbekistan’s “Kitob-Samarkand” road in the Kashkadarya region after a rockslide: find the shocking video below. The sorrowful events took place on Wednesday.

According to Blikk, a Hungarian tabloid, the group of Hungarian tourists travelled in a Chevrolet Cobalt. HERE is a video of the event. Uzbek papers wrote that there was an Uzbek driver among the deceased, but the Uzbek embassy did not mention him.

Here is their statement about the tragic accident:

“The Embassy of the Republic of Uzbekistan in Hungary has received with deep sorrow the news of the tragic death of two Hungarian citizens as a result of a rockslide on the “Kitob-Samarkand” road in Kashkadarya region. We extend our heartfelt condolences to the families and loved ones of the deceased.
The incident occurred due to natural calamities, which, regrettably, can happen anywhere in the world. The Uzbek side is conducting a thorough investigation to establish all circumstances of the incident. We are also fully prepared to assist in the swift return of the deceased to their homeland”.

Read also:

Uzbekistan election results: parliamentary seats officially allocated to parties – read more HERE
Alisher Navoi, an icon of Uzbek literature, honoured with statue unveiling in Hungary – photos and more in THIS article

November 7, 2024

Shocking video: Mother and son on inflatable donut hit fallen tree trunk during boat ride

The man noticed too late that he had driven the boat close to the shore.

The Szeged District Prosecutor’s Office has filed charges against a man who two years ago in the summer, towed a “donut” in a sports boat on the Tisza River and carelessly steered two people clinging to it against a fallen tree.

According to the prosecution, on 4 August 2022, the man pulled a mother and her son on an inflatable donut attached to his boat on the Tisza in Szentes, and transported 7 other people on board the boat. He did not employ an attendant to keep a constant eye on the donut and the passengers and to communicate their position, so the man turned back and forth while driving. On one such occasion, the offender realised too late that he was driving the boat close to the shore. Despite the rapid steering back, the donut, with the people towing it, crashed with great momentum into a log that had fallen into the water.

The force of the impact caused both persons to fall into the water, one of them suffering permanent disabling injuries.

In addition to the absence of an accompanying person and the defendant’s inattention, the accident was also caused by the fact that the towing rope of the sports equipment was attached too high to the boat, which caused the doughnut to swing too far laterally.

The district attorney’s office charged the defendant with misdemeanor reckless endangerment of watercraft resulting in permanent disability. The question of the guilt of the accused will be decided by the District Court of Szentes.

A mobile phone recording of the incident is available here:

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November 6, 2024

Tragedy at Novi Sad railway station linked to Hungarian-owned firm, reports Serbian media

A tragic incident at Novi Sad’s (Újvidék) recently renovated railway station, where a glass terrace collapsed on Friday, resulting in fourteen fatalities and multiple severe injuries, has raised questions about the companies overseeing the project. Serbian media reports, citing information from local procurement platforms, link the station’s reconstruction to Project Bureau Utiber, a company owned by Hungarian interests. While the official statement from Serbian Railways noted that only the station’s facade and interior were refurbished, with no mention of the terrace structure, local news sources suggest that Utiber had a role in supervising the station’s renovation.

Hungarian construction firm Utiber Közúti Beruházó Ltd., whose projects frequently involve subcontracting work for Lőrinc Mészáros’s companies, owns the majority of Project Bureau Utiber, Szabad Magyar Szó reports. Founded in 2014, the Novi Sad-based subsidiary has grown substantially, with revenues skyrocketing to seventeen times their initial levels and net profits increasing nearly ninetyfold over the last decade. Currently, it employs 63 people and is primarily owned by Utiber Közúti Beruházó, with 85% Hungarian ownership, while 15% belongs to Miodrag Jović, a Serbian citizen and managing director.

Beyond the railway station project, Utiber has secured numerous state contracts in Serbia, including for railway upgrades and construction supervision on the National Stadium, totalling contracts worth over EUR 23 million. In the Novi Sad railway project, Utiber holds the leading supervisory position among several bidders on the Hungarian border railway line, underscoring their dominance in this infrastructure project.

The company’s Hungarian owners, György Lakits and László Almássy, have made headlines in Hungary as well, especially with Utiber’s involvement in national motorway concessions, 24.hu writes. In 2022, the Hungarian government awarded a 35-year highway concession to a consortium linked to business mogul Lőrinc Mészáros, whose close ties with Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán are well-documented. Utiber, often working as a subcontractor to Mészáros’s firms, has benefitted significantly from state contracts and European Union funding, which contributed to its rapid expansion and profitability.

In response to these connections, the Hungarian news outlet Telex contacted Utiber for comments on their specific responsibilities in the Novi Sad project but has yet to receive a reply.

With extensive involvement in both the Serbian railway project and the National Stadium’s construction, Utiber’s presence in Serbia exemplifies the close economic cooperation between the two nations. These connections have not only facilitated lucrative state-backed contracts but have also fueled the expansion of Hungarian firms within Serbia’s infrastructure and construction sectors.

Read also:

November 5, 2024

Hungarian speaker sends condolences to Serbia over tragic Novi Sad railway station collapse

Speaker of Parliament László Kövér has expressed his condolences to Serbian counterpart Ana Brnabic over the railway station disaster that took place in Novi Sad on Friday.

“I was deeply shocked to learn of the tragic number of victims and injured…” the message released on Saturday said.

“On behalf of the Hungarian parliament, allow me to express my sincere condolences to all those affected by the tragedy, to the families who lost loved ones, whose grief and pain we share. I wish the injured a speedy recovery,” the speaker wrote.

Fourteen people died and around thirty were injured when a section of the railway station entrance collapsed.

Read also:

14 dead in terrible catastrophe in city populated by 11,000 Hungarians – VIDEO about what happened, PHOTOS

November 3, 2024

Gas explosion in Tapolca, Hungary forces 200 residents to evacuate

A suspected gas explosion occurred in an apartment on the third floor of a ten-story residential building in Kazinczy Square, Tapolca, last night, according to the National Directorate General for Disaster Management. The explosion caused the balcony to collapse.

Emergency services from Ajka, Keszthely, Badacsonytomaj, and the local Tapolca fire brigade, along with the Veszprém County Disaster Operations Unit, responded to the scene, the National Directorate General for Disaster Management reported. A small fire also broke out in the kitchen of the apartment, but it was quickly extinguished by an off-duty firefighter.

The affected wing of the building was evacuated, with 198 people leaving their homes.

Structural engineers assessed the safety of the building following the explosion.

This is not the first explosion in the so-called Y-buildings of Tapolca this year. In May, a similar gas explosion occurred in another apartment, sending one person to the hospital. Residents at the time were jolted awake by the entire building shaking. The blast took place in a sixth-floor apartment of the building at 13 Kazinczy Square, leading to the evacuation of 102 apartments.

Read also:

Featured image: illustration, depositphotos.com

October 7, 2024

Breaking: Small plane crashes in Hungary near Dunakeszi

An air accident occurred in Dunakeszi, Hungary: a small plane crashed in a street.

A small plane crashed in Dunakeszi, Dunakeszipost reported. The news was confirmed by the editor-in-chief of the local newspaper, which also published a post on its social media page:

A spokesman for the Budapest Emergency Management Directorate told MTI that the small plane crashed near the intersection of Tőzegtavi Road and Röntgen Street, onto the fence of a factory and a container house. Firefighters contained the spilt fuel from the 40-litre fuel tank damaged in the accident and stopped the leak, 444.hu writes.

According to the National Ambulance Service, several ambulance units and an ambulance helicopter were alerted to the scene. A man in his 60s was taken to hospital by ground ambulance with minor injuries.

Read also:

Featured image: illustration, depositphotos.com

October 6, 2024