Family raises 145,000 PLN for Polish coach driver jailed after Hungary crash

Detention and criminal charges in Miskolc

The District Court in Miskolc ordered the temporary arrest of Polish coach driver Robert M. on 18 August, placing him in custody for 30 days until 18 September. Hungarian prosecutors charged him with unintentionally causing a road traffic accident that resulted in the death of multiple people. Under Hungarian law, this conviction carries a prison sentence ranging between two and eight years. Hungarian investigators suspect the driver may have fallen asleep behind the wheel. Robert M., who had worked for many years as a professional driver, was interrogated by prosecutors and remains in a Hungarian detention facility while the investigation proceeds.

Circumstances of the M3 motorway collision

The crash occurred at approximately 01:00 on the M3 motorway near the town of Mezőkeresztes in north-eastern Hungary. The vehicle was carrying 59 Polish citizens returning from a religious pilgrimage to Medjugorje. All passengers were adult residents of the Podkarpackie voivodeship. The incident resulted in 12 fatalities at the scene. Twelve injured passengers were subsequently repatriated on Wednesday and admitted to hospitals in Rzeszów, where their condition was assessed as good while still requiring continued hospital treatment. Five Polish citizens remained hospitalized in Hungary, with three listed in serious condition.

Cross-border legal proceedings

The District Prosecutor's Office in Krosno opened an inquiry in Poland, beginning witness interviews with surviving passengers. Polish prosecutors prepared a formal motion requesting Hungarian authorities to transfer the entire criminal proceeding to Poland, noting that the suspect, the vehicle operator, and all victims are Polish nationals. A transfer requires official consent from Hungarian judicial authorities. Polish investigators are awaiting documentation and forensic evidence gathered by Hungarian police at the crash scene on the M3 motorway.

Crowdfunding campaign and defence preparations

To finance his legal defence, Robert M.'s family established a collection on the Pomagam.pl platform under the title "Wspieramy Roberta, kierowcę autokaru z wypadku na Węgrzech". By 17:30 on 23 August, the campaign accumulated over 145,000 PLN toward its 200,000 PLN target, after passing 130,000 PLN within its first two days. The funds are earmarked for defence counsel fees, certified translation, psychological care, independent accident reconstructions, and basic living necessities in custody. The family is also preparing funds to lease an apartment in Hungary if the Hungarian court grants an application to substitute detention with local house arrest.

Legal representation and diaspora assistance

Hungarian defence attorney Daniel Gervan issued a public statement confirming the authenticity of the initiative after verification queries surfaced online. Gervan stated that Polish residents living in Hungary arranged and funded the initial consultation with a Polish psychologist. The legal team established the domain wspieramyroberta.com to communicate official notices and updates regarding the proceedings.

Daniel Gervan expressed appreciation on behalf of his client for the financial and moral backing received from the public.

Robert knows about this support and is very grateful for it.