Young Hungarian police officer dies after being struck by a car on duty

A young Hungarian police officer has died after being struck by a vehicle while responding to an incident on a major road near Veszprém, authorities have confirmed.

Fatal accident during emergency response

According to official police statements, 22-year-old sergeant Bálint Zsolt Zalavári, a patrol officer at the Veszprém Police Department, was fatally injured in a collision on Thursday morning.

The incident occurred on the 8th main road, where the officer and his colleague had been dispatched following reports of a large deer lying in the middle of the carriageway. After arriving at the scene with their emergency lights activated, the officers removed the animal from the road to prevent further danger to motorists.

However, as they were carrying out their duties, an oncoming vehicle collided with their patrol car and struck both officers, 24.hu writes.

Severe injuries and hospitalisation

Both officers sustained serious, life-threatening injuries and were rushed to hospital. Despite medical efforts, Zalavári later died from his injuries. His colleague’s condition has not been publicly updated.

The tragic crash reportedly took place near the 56-kilometre mark of the road, just outside Veszprém.

A short but dedicated career

Zalavári, who was born in Veszprém, would have turned 23 in mid-April. After completing a 10-month police training programme, he joined the local force in January last year on a probationary basis, serving with the rank of sergeant. He was formally confirmed in his position earlier this year.

Police express condolences

In a statement, the Hungarian Police expressed deep sorrow over the loss.

“The Veszprém County Police Headquarters and the Hungarian Police share in the grief of the deceased officer’s family,” the statement read, offering condolences to his loved ones and colleagues.

The circumstances of the accident are under investigation.