Left-wing Polish MP Łukasz Litewka, 36, died after being struck by a car while cycling in Dąbrowa Górnicza; the 57-year-old driver is in custody.
MP Litewka Dies in Accident, Driver Detained
Łukasz Litewka, a 36-year-old MP from the Lewica (Left) party representing Sosnowiec, was fatally struck by a vehicle while riding a bicycle on Kazimierzowska Street in Dąbrowa Górnicza.
The 57-year-old driver of a Mitsubishi was apprehended, and the Sosnowiec District Prosecutor’s Office filed a motion with the court for his arrest.
Driver Admits Guilt, Faces Charges
The driver has been charged with unintentionally causing a fatal accident and has confessed to the offense.
Three-Month Detention Ordered, Bail Option Available
The court ordered the suspect’s detention for three months, until July 22nd, with the possibility of converting it to non-custodial measures.
The suspect can be released if he deposits a surety of 40,000 złoty within 14 days of the ruling; release would be conditional on police supervision, mandatory reporting, and a travel ban.
Prosecution Cites Flight Risk
The court emphasized the risk of a severe sentence as justification for the arrest, suggesting the suspect might attempt to flee or hide. This was stated by prosecutor Bartosz Kilian, spokesperson for the Sosnowiec District Prosecutor’s Office.
Driver Undergoes Medical Evaluation
The detained man spent a significant portion of Friday undergoing medical examinations. Doctors found no conditions preventing his participation in legal proceedings or criminal responsibility.
Prosecutor Kilian stated the suspect’s overall health is good.
Charges and Potential Sentence
The 57-year-old faces charges of unintentionally causing a fatal traffic accident, carrying a potential sentence of 6 months to 8 years imprisonment. He admitted to the act and provided extensive statements, some of which are considered questionable by the prosecution.
Prosecutors believe the suspect’s statements regarding potential loss of consciousness or memory lapses may be a defense strategy. He was coherent and responsive immediately after the incident.
Further Analysis Required, Toxicology Results Pending
Additional analysis is necessary. Blood samples were taken for toxicological analysis to determine if the suspect had consumed psychoactive substances, but initial results were negative.
Litewka’s Charitable Work and Community Involvement
Łukasz Litewka was known for his charitable and social activities. His #TeamLitewka foundation supported children’s medical treatments, animal welfare, and local community needs, including fundraising for rehabilitation equipment and aid for accident victims.
During the 2023 parliamentary election campaign, Litewka featured images of adoptable dogs from a local shelter on his campaign posters, later repurposing the banners as insulation for the shelter’s kennels.
Posthumous Award for Litewka
The Chapter of the Honorary Badge for Merits for the Silesian Voivodeship posthumously awarded Łukasz Litewka, announced by councilor Bartłomiej Kowalski.
The decision was unanimous, with members of the chapter recognizing Litewka’s extensive social and charitable work and his contributions to the region.
Kowalski described the award as a symbolic recognition of Litewka’s commitment to the community and his lasting impact.
The Honorary Badge for Merits for the Silesian Voivodeship is the highest regional distinction awarded to individuals and institutions contributing to the economic, cultural, or social development of the voivodeship. The gold badge is the highest level of the award.