A tragic accident occurred on Tuesday, January 13, 2025, on the way of the Warsaw Directions Railway (WKD) between the stops of the Pruszków WKD and the Comoros. An older man was fatally hit by a train. This is another incidental on Polish tracks, which highlights safety issues.
Dramatic event on the WKD route
According to information provided by the police, the accident occurred before 11:00. The WKD train heading towards Warsaw hit a man who was on the tracks. Despite the fast consequence of the driver and the distress call, the victim was unsuccessful.
Witnesses indicate that an older man entered the tracks where access to them is clearly marked as dangerous. Police officers are presently investigating his identity and explaining the reasons behind the tragedy.
Route obstructions and consequence of WKD
As a consequence of the event, the traffic of trains was stopped between Warsaw Śródmieście WKD and Komorów stations. Warsaw Directions Railway immediately introduced Spacecraftto minimise the handicaps for passengers. Additionally, WKD tickets were honoured on trains of the Mazowieckie Railways, which enabled passengers to proceed their journey.
After a fewer hours after the accident, the situation on the way was contained and the train traffic returned to normal. WKD issued a message in which she expressed her condolences to the household of the deceased and appealed to passengers for compliance with safety rules on the tracks.
Safety on tracks in Poland – problem of expanding number of accidents
According to the data of the Railway Transport Office (UTK), in 2023 Polish railway tracks occurred more than 200 pedestrian accidents. In most cases, the origin was a deficiency of care of pedestrians who ignore regulations or usage passages in prohibited places.
In peculiar WKD lineDue to its specificity and frequent courses, it requires passengers and pedestrians to take peculiar care. Crossing the tracks in prohibited areas and deficiency of adequate infrastructure in any areas contribute to increased risk.
How to improve security?
Experts have been calling for changes for years that could minimise the hazard of accidents on the tracks. The proposals include:
- Construction of additional overhead and underground crossings – especially in places where pedestrian traffic is greatest.
- Strengthening safety on tracks, specified as additional fences and monitoring.
- Social campaigns to rise awareness of the dangers of crossing the track in prohibited places.
In consequence to the expanding number of incidents, UTK announced for 2025 a peculiar inspection of all railway lines in Poland, including WKD routes.
Reaction of residents and passengers
The tragedy on the WKD way affected both local residents and regular passengers utilizing this line. There were many voices on social media expressing regret and compassion for the household of the deceased. At the same time, many commentators highlighted the problem insufficient safety along the tracks, especially in places with advanced pedestrian traffic.
WKD passengers emphasize that this line has been very popular for years thanks to fast and convenient connections between Warsaw and Podwarszawskie towns. However, specified accidents can negatively affect the safety of travellers.
Service and Carrier Appeal
Police and WKD representatives call on residents to comply with the rules on movement close the tracks. All rail users should remember that:
- Railway tracks are a dangerous area and their crossing is permitted only at designated locations.
- An approaching train can be hard to notice, especially with limited visibility.
- Ignore government is not only a hazard of a mandate, but above all a failure of wellness or life.
Read more:
Tragedy on WKD tracks. The Death of an Older Man
