A passenger train inadvertently entered an occupied track in Gniezno, Poland around 4:00 AM, prompting an immediate investigation and temporary rail disruption.
Incident Details in Gniezno
According to PKP PLK spokesperson Karol Jakubowski, the incident occurred at approximately 4:00 AM at the Gniezno station. The driver of a Polregio passenger train failed to observe a closed signal and entered a track already occupied by another train.
Fortunately, the situation was recognized in time, and the train stopped at a safe distance. The Kolei Wielkopolskie train carried passengers, while the Polregio train was on a technical run with no passengers onboard.
Immediate Response and Traffic Resumption
A special commission, comprised of representatives from the rail operators and the area administrator, was immediately established to investigate. Traffic on the Poznań-Gniezno line was temporarily suspended.
Traffic resumed at 5:55 AM, though potential secondary delays were anticipated. Officials stated that major disruptions were not expected.
Investigation and Prior Incidents
The commission has 30 days to submit a report detailing the circumstances that led to both trains being on the same track.
Recent Rail Incidents and Sabotage Concerns
Several serious incidents have occurred on Polish railways in recent months. In November 2025, a series of dangerous events were classified by authorities as acts of sabotage.
November 2025 Sabotage Attempts
On November 16th, intentional damage to the track was discovered near Mika, Garwolin County, Mazovia. A train driver noticed the damage and made an emergency stop, narrowly avoiding derailment after discovering three sabotaged rail fixings.
Another act of sabotage occurred on November 17th near Puławy, involving potential detonator elements and damage to the overhead contact line. This resulted in a broken window on a train traveling from Świnoujście to Rzeszów, carrying 475 passengers.
