Warsaw Bus Crash: Prosecutors Investigate Potential Technical Failure

A municipal bus crashed into a tram and seven cars in Warsaw on Sunday, leaving six people injured, as investigators examine whether a mechanical fault played a role in the incident.

The Incident in Ochota

On Sunday at 6:22 PM, a Solaris Urbino 18 municipal bus crashed into a tram at the intersection of Grójecka and Bitwy Warszawskiej streets in Warsaw. The vehicle then continued toward Rondo Zesłańców Syberyjskich, colliding with at least seven other vehicles.

Six people were injured in the incident, and two individuals, including one minor, were transported to the hospital. The 58-year-old Polish driver was found to be sober and tested negative for drugs.

Prosecutorial Investigation and Technical Review

The prosecutor stated that the driver is currently being questioned as a witness. Authorities have secured internal bus surveillance, which suggests a possible vehicle malfunction, and will examine the data from the bus’s event recorder.

Prosecutors are analyzing potential similarities between this event and a June 2026 incident in Gliwice, where a driver reported an electronic failure that locked the accelerator pedal. Experts will also be appointed to assess the extent of the victims’ injuries.

Manufacturer and Operator Stance

MZA spokesperson Adam Stawicki dismissed speculation regarding a stuck accelerator pedal, stating that the specific bus series has no history of such defects. He added that a potentiometer failure would likely immobilize the vehicle rather than cause it to accelerate.

MZA is coordinating with the manufacturer, Solaris Bus & Coach, to provide technical support. The company also explicitly denied rumors concerning the possibility of remote control over the vehicle, confirming that no such technical capability exists.