A 54‑year‑old driver crashed his vehicle into a group of pilgrims near Grobla on Sunday evening, injuring ten people, including a child. The driver was found to have a prior driving ban and alcohol in his blood.
Driver Crashes into Pilgrims Group
On Sunday around 18:00, an incident occurred on the county road near Grobla, close to Radom. A 54‑year‑old driver, operating a pickup, crashed into the rear of one of three multi‑decade pilgrim groups bound for Częstochowa. Ten people were injured, including a 2‑year‑old child. Four are already out of hospitals. Their injuries are not life‑threatening, though some are serious. One pilgrim has a complicated ankle fracture. The pilgrimage involved 156 people.
54‑Year‑Old with Driving Ban
The 54‑year‑old driver tested positive for 1.3‰ alcohol and was already under a driving ban from June to December. He had previously been arrested by the police when driving without a license, an offense that led to a court‑issued ban.
“The Group Was Moving Properly”
As stated by Bishop Krzysztof Bochniak, director of the Diocesan Pilgrimage to Jasna Góra, the driver crashed into group 3, consisting of parishioners from Żarnów and Białaczów. First aid was promptly provided by the Diocesan Pilgrimage protection and medical services from Kolumna Opoczyńska and I & II Kolumna Radomka. Psychological assistance was also rendered. The organizer confirmed that all necessary formalities were fulfilled for the pilgrimage, including traffic control, proper signage, and medical coverage. The pilgrims, together with the leader and guide, decided to continue the pilgrimage.
