One soldier lost his life, and five others were injured in a road accident on 26 August on the section of the M7 motorway near Székesfehérvár. In connection with the tragedy, Defence Minister Tibor Benkő and Brigadier General-Commander of the Hungarian Defence Forces Ferenc Korom held an extraordinary press conference in the evening hours.

“The Hungarian Defence Forces and the entire staff of the Ministry of Defence are mourning as we have lost an excellent young soldier,” Defence Minister Tibor Benkő said at the extraordinary press conference which was held at the Ministry of Defence in connection with the fatal road accident that occurred on 26 August.

The Minister said the convoy heading from Hódmezővásárhely for the exercise Brave Warrior was involved in the accident on the M7 motorway. Six people were injured – they were taken to the Defence Forces Hospital –, two of them critically. Despite their efforts, military physicians were unable to save the life of one of them, he died of his injuries in the hospital.

The Minister offered his condolences to the family and relatives. He stressed that in order to prevent similar incidents in the future, he has ordered an immediate investigation to clarify the circumstances leading to the accident.

Brigadier General Ferenc Korom, Commander of the Hungarian Defence Forces also offered his condolences to the family of the soldier who was a member of the Hungarian Defence Forces 5th Bocskai István Infantry Brigade. He said the five injured soldiers are now in a stable condition. Regarding the internal investigation, he added that they will primarily focus on compliance with the relevant regulations in connection with the circumstances of the accident; there will be 30 days for the completion of the investigation.

(Ministry of Defence/MTI)