As reported by tvn24.pl, in such a dramatic way, according to the trade unions, they aim to draw attention to improving the safety situation. Because in Poland, various incidents on the tracks happen every other day.
On Wednesday, a concrete mixer truck crashed into a train traveling from Lublin to Szczecin. As the driver later explained, he was blinded by the sun.
The impact was strong, the train cars derailed. Both the truck driver, the train driver, and about ten passengers were injured. One woman did not survive.
More – Tragic accident in Poland: a truck crashed into a speeding train, there are dead and injured.
The Railway Drivers’ Trade Union announced on Thursday that after this accident in the Sokolniki Suchie area, “the red line was crossed.” The union claims it has long been trying to draw attention to the fact that there are problems with traffic safety on Polish railways.
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As said by the head of the mentioned trade union, Lieszek Miętek, railway workers understand that the state is making great efforts and allocating billions to improve infrastructure, new tracks, stations, but it is not enough – there are too many accidents on the tracks in which people die or are injured.
And Wednesday’s accident was not unexpected for railway workers. The union leader lists railway incidents that ended in deaths: in 2024, a train driver and another railway worker from the “Polregio” company died at a crossing in Poznan, and this July – a driver from Mazovian railways near Warsaw.
“Other incidents on the tracks, in which people also died: in 2024 there were about 140 such incidents, last year – about 180. This year the third quarter is not yet over, and we already have 130 incidents with casualties,” said the head of the Railway Drivers’ Trade Union.
This situation is frightening, so it was decided to hold a protest action – from midnight Friday throughout the day trains will travel at a safe speed of 20 km/h at crossings. According to the union leader, the action is supported by drivers from different companies across the country.
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