A Russian driver crashed a BMW while drifting on Zbawiciela Square in Warsaw’s Śródmieście, striking a pedestrian and forcefully crashing into a building on Wednesday evening.
Incident Overview
On Wednesday, 17 December 2025, in the evening on Marszałkowska Street near Zbawiciela Square in Warsaw’s Śródmieście, a BMW was involved in a traffic incident that damaged infrastructure and struck a building façade, causing temporary traffic disruptions.
Driver’s Maneuver and Loss of Control
The driver, a Russian citizen, was performing drifting manoeuvres on the roundabout and lost control around 19:55. While attempting to regain balance by accelerating, the vehicle struck pedestrian crossing infrastructure, damaging a traffic sign and iron posts, and then collided with a planter and the building front.
Pedestrian Injury
A pedestrian was struck between the car’s hood and the building façade. She was taken to the emergency department, receiving treatment for a deep calf wound and bruises; no long‑term disability was reported. The incident was classified as a collision rather than an accident.
Police Response and Findings
Police confirmed the driver was sober and licensed; two traffic police units worked at the scene, keeping one lane closed. Initially, authorities reported no casualties, but the victim later provided evidence of injury. After the crash, the driver attempted to flee but stopped after she screamed. A passenger tried to claim responsibility; police determined the driver was in control, leading to a fine of 5,000 PLN.
Victim’s Statement
She recounted the crash at about 19:55, the drifting, loss of control, acceleration attempts, the impact with the façade, her sudden injury, and the driver’s initial attempt to leave. She noted that the incident was a collision without fractures, just a deep wound and bruises.
