12 Polish Nationals Dead in Bus Accident on Catholic Pilgrimage Route in Croatia

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Hyun-jung] A bus carrying a Catholic pilgrimage group from Poland crashed into a drainage ditch while traveling on a highway in Croatia, killing at least 12 people, according to reports by the British Guardian and others on the 6th (local time).

The accident occurred around 5:40 a.m. near a point 60 km north of Zagreb, Croatia, and the bus was carrying 43 Polish passengers. The bus, which was traveling at high speed, suddenly veered off the lane and fell into the drainage ditch. Authorities are currently investigating the exact cause of the accident, considering the possibility of driver drowsiness.

Eleven people died at the scene, and one more died after being transported to the hospital. Additionally, 18 people are reported to be in critical condition.

According to authorities, the bus, which departed from Poland, was heading toward the small southern Bosnian town of Međugorje after crossing the Hungary-Croatia border. Međugorje, widely known for the apparition of the Virgin Mary, attracts around one million pilgrims annually.

Pope Francis officially recognized Međugorje as a pilgrimage site in May 2019, but the Vatican is still investigating the authenticity of the Virgin Mary apparitions.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.