A large block of ice fell from a building onto a parked van on Okólnik Street in central Warsaw, crushing its front but causing no injuries.
Incident Details
Before 22:45, a dangerous incident occurred when a large block of ice detached from a building’s cornice at Okólnik Street in Śródmieście. The ice fell onto the sidewalk and a parked Renault Trafic van, with the force of impact seriously damaging the vehicle’s front and roof. Fortunately, no one was walking near the car or inside at the time of the incident, so there were no injuries.
Cause and Damage
According to preliminary findings, the incident occurred during an ongoing thaw. The fragment of ice detached from the facade, fell onto the sidewalk, and struck the parked vehicle, causing extensive body damage.
Response and Safety Measures
Police and a fire brigade from JRG4 were dispatched to the scene. Using a lift, firefighters removed ice residues from the building with an area of about 0.5 m² to eliminate further threats.
Building Responsibility
The owner or administrator of a building is responsible for maintaining it in a state that ensures safe use, which includes removing icicles, overhangs, and ice blocks that may threaten pedestrians or property. Removing ice from height requires observing safety rules and proper organization, as it involves work at height with potential risks to both workers and bystanders.
Reporting Hazards
Citizens can report dangerous places related to icing, snow accumulation, or other urban space problems through the municipal contact center Warsaw 19115, which operates 24/7 and accepts reports through its application and website.