A train driver on line 7 near Życzyn reported a severe track breach on 16 Nov, leading to a single‑track operation, evacuation, and suspicion of sabotage.
Incident Details
A train travelling from Dęblin to Warsaw stopped near the PKP Mika station at 07:39 on 16 November after the driver detected a major rail defect. The damaged section measured about one metre. The train crew and two passengers were evacuated unharmed, and the train was forced to halt before the rail break. No injuries were reported.
Immediate Response
Police, fire services, technical teams from the rail infrastructure manager and medical rescuers were dispatched instantly. The Area was cordoned off for inspection and repair. The National Security Agency (ABW) and a specialised chemical‑ecological rescue unit from Unit 6 also joined the scene to secure the damaged segment and analyse materials.
Speculation of Sabotage
The county mayor, Iwona Kurowska, described the incident as an act of sabotage, stating it involved “diversion, sabotage, or detonation of a rail fragment.” An informant, an experienced railway worker, added that the breach appeared deliberate, likening it to a “burst” rather than an ordinary material failure. Residents recall a loud bang near the tracks on the previous Saturday evening, but authorities are not yet linking the sound to the defect.
Operational Impact
Line 7, connecting Warsaw‑East to Dorohusk, is a key national corridor used by regional and long‑haul services towards Lublin, Chełm, and the Ukrainian border. The breach forced trains between Sobolew and Życzyn onto a single track, causing delays of up to ten minutes. Stopping the line between Dęblin and Życzyn has led to cancellations and occasional shortened routes.
Future Repairs
The rail operator is carrying out detailed inspections of the track and surrounding area, collecting evidence and witness statements. A section of several hundred metres has been fenced to prevent public access. Repair work is underway to restore full capacity, but passengers should expect continued disruptions on the Sobolew‑Życzyn segment until works conclude.
