Four people died after a passenger car collided head‑on with a tanker in Opaleniec, Masovian Voivodeship, on Monday, 18 August just after noon.
Masovian Province: Fatal Accident in Opaleniec
On Monday, 18 August at approximately 12:20, a fatal crash occurred in Opaleniec, Przasnysz County, Masovia. On National Road No. 57, a passenger car collided head‑on with a tanker. All passengers in the Volkswagen perished on scene; three men and one woman.
The 38‑year‑old tanker driver was sober. “The road is blocked in both directions. Detours are required – heading toward Szczytno via Rembielin to W616, then toward Opaleniec. Please follow the officers’ instructions,” the Masovian police urged.
Police Summary of the Long August Weekend
During the extended weekend, 34 people lost their lives on the roads, according to police data. Only on Sunday did the police record eight victims. Within the last 24 hours, more than 400 individuals driving under the influence were stopped. “During the last long weekend on Polish roads, there were 360 traffic accidents (288 in 2024), resulting in 41 deaths — 17 more than the previous year. 431 people were injured (345 in 2024),” officers wrote. They also detained 1,450 intoxicated drivers. In the previous year, when the weekend was longer (15 August fell on a Thursday), the number was 1,431.
RCB on Drownings
During the long weekend, 16 people drowned, the Government Safety Center reported. “Summer is a time for rest and relaxation, but a moment of carelessness on the water can lead to an accident,” writes the RCB. It urges people to swim only in designated areas, avoid jumping into water when overheated or just after a meal, refrain from jumping into unknown spots, heed the lifeguard’s instructions, and wear a life jacket when on a boat, kayak, or water scooter.
