At 1:32 a.m. on September 2‑3, an empty coal wagon was detached from the Katowice‑Ligota rail line, sparking rumors of an intentional attack.
Initial Report by Rzeczpospolita
The Polish newspaper Rzeczpospolita reported that the incident “appeared to be a planned attack.” An empty coal wagon had been disconnected from the track, with the end‐of‑consist markers shifted to the next‑to‑last wagon, giving the impression of a correctly coupled train.
The article noted that journalists observed the discrepancy, suggesting tampering with the wagon’s identification.
PKP PLK Safety Officer’s Assessment
Former director of the PKP PLK safety office, Piotr Skolasiński, stated that the person who detached the wagon also removed the warning signal and attached it to the preceding wagon, indicating intentional action and an attempt to obscure evidence.
He warned that should a fast train have entered the wagon, a major rail disaster would have occurred.
Possible Causes and Consequences
Authorities list sabotage, theft attempts, or a technical error as possible explanations. The line is primarily used for freight, with only five passenger services per day using it as a detour amid the Katowice rail node reconstruction.
An employee’s alertness and notification to traffic controllers prevented a potential catastrophic collision.
Investigation Status
The Katowice‑West District Prosecutor’s Office is leading the investigation, which remains “in the case” with no charges filed yet. Police and prosecutors have withheld further details to safeguard the inquiry.
Nothing has been disclosed beyond the ongoing investigation.
