Trasa Łazienkowska Trial: Witness Alleges Threats from Łukasz Żak

During the ongoing trial at the Warsaw-Śródmieście District Court, witness Sara S. testified that Łukasz Żak threatened her and her partner with a knife following the fatal collision on the Trasa Łazienkowska.

Court Testimony and Witness Intimidation

The trial, which has been underway since last June, saw testimony from Sara S., who was a passenger in the vehicle driven by Łukasz Żak during the incident. Due to safety concerns and alleged past intimidation, Żak and other defendants were required to leave the courtroom during her testimony.

Sara S. admitted she failed to alert emergency services after the crash, citing extreme stress. She further testified that Żak explicitly threatened her and her partner, telling them to “shut up” or he would use a knife.

High-Speed Impact and Defendant Conduct

The witness noted that the speedometer in the Volkswagen recorded a speed of 171 km/h prior to the crash. The case is scheduled to resume on July 13, with closing arguments expected to be presented.

The collision occurred on September 15, 2024, resulting in the death of a 37-year-old passenger in another vehicle. Expert reports indicate that the then-26-year-old Łukasz Żak was intoxicated and using his mobile phone to record his driving, with investigators estimating he reached speeds of 226 km/h in an 80 km/h zone.

Legal Proceedings and Accomplices

Following the crash, Żak fled the scene with the assistance of friends and was later arrested in Lübeck, Germany, via a European Arrest Warrant. Six associates are also on trial for their roles in aiding his escape and failing to render assistance to the victims.

The case of one associate, Kacper D., has been severed into a separate trial. The remaining defendants face charges including obstruction of justice and failure to assist injured parties.