Polish officials confirmed sabotage on railway line 7 near Mika, Garwolin county, and announced two additional incidents, outlining evidence, legal proceedings and links to foreign services.
Sabotage Confirmed at Mika
Minister Marcin Kierwiński announced that an explosive device was detonated on the tracks at Mika in Garwolin county, causing structural damage to the railway infrastructure. The explosion was detected at about 7:30 a.m., when a train halted after noticing a rupture in the track.
Police, the Central Police Investigation Office, the Internal Security Agency, the Fire Brigade and the Prosecutor’s Office were dispatched immediately. Evidence including monitoring‑camera footage and a suspected ignition cable was secured.
Two Further Incidents Occurred on Line 7
At approximately 21:30 p.m. another incident involved damage to the traction power system over a roughly 60‑metre stretch. A second event was the discovery of a metal clamp on the rails, severed by passing trains.
These acts were confirmed in the same press conference that detailed the initial sabotage.
Investigation Procedures and Evidence Handling
Evidence gathered so far is undergoing preliminary analysis. Monitoring videos, wire fragments and other materials have been collected, with details of the device construction withheld to protect the investigation.
Justice Minister Waldemar Żurek said a special task force of prosecutors, CBŚP and ABW specialists is coordinating the investigation at the Warsaw District Prosecutor’s Office.
Context of Foreign Involvement
Special Operations Coordinator Tomasz Siemoniak highlighted that since January 2024 Poland has faced sabotage attributed to foreign services, with 55 arrests, several convictions, and the deportation of some foreigners.
He reported that one organizer was extradited from Bosnia‑Herzegovina and is now in Polish custody. He also warned that similar sabotage threats affect other countries supporting Ukraine, noting that the line hosts trains carrying aid toward Kyiv.
Legal Framework and Penalties
The offenses fall under Article 137 § 7 of the Penal Code (sabotage) and Article 174 (attempt to cause a catastrophe in land transport). Penalties range from 10 years to life imprisonment.
The proceedings are conducted in a closed‑procedure manner, with only essential information released publicly to safeguard the investigation. No casualties or injuries were reported.
Infrastructure Impact and Future Plans
Minister Dariusz Klimczak explained that Line 7, connecting Warsaw to Lublin and the border, is a key route with around 115 trains daily. The track has been modernised to 160 km/h, with plans to increase speeds to 200 km/h.
The disruption was discovered early in the morning when an InterCity driver reported an uneven track; the train was stopped, the fault exposed and service restored. Repairs will begin immediately after the investigative teams conclude. Polish Railway Lines has intensified inspections and reinforced security in conjunction with the Polish Railway Guard.
Police Response in Garwolin
Officials addressed questions about earlier police activity after a 21:40 p.m. call on November 15, describing it as an unprecise report from a single individual. Police investigated but found no danger and returned to other duties.
