A vehicle transporting U.S. troops to training exercises overturned on a local road near Drawsko Pomorskie on Thursday, resulting in injuries to eight soldiers and the emergency evacuation of one individual.
The Incident Near Drawsko Pomorskie
The accident occurred on a local road connecting the villages of Studnica and Czertyń in the Drawsko Pomorskie municipality. According to Major Tomasz Zygmunt, press officer for the Military Gendarmerie in Szczecin, the soldiers were seated on benches in the back of a transport vehicle when the right wheel struck the verge, causing the truck to flip onto its side.
Eight soldiers sustained injuries in the crash. One soldier, reported to be in critical condition, was transported by a Medical Air Rescue (LPR) helicopter to a hospital in Gryfice. Five medical rescue teams were dispatched to the site.
Emergency Response and Medical Status
Natalia Dorochowicz of the Provincial Medical Rescue Station in Szczecin confirmed that six injured soldiers were taken to hospitals and are currently in stable condition. One additional soldier declined medical transport and remained at the scene.
Investigation Into Potential Negligence
The Military Gendarmerie is investigating the circumstances of the crash. Major Zygmunt noted that the accident occurred on a straight road segment under favorable weather conditions, stating that driver carelessness is a suspected cause. The investigation, overseen by the military division of the District Prosecutor’s Office in Poznań, will include the interrogation of witnesses, including the soldier seated in the cabin.
U.S. Military Presence in Poland
Approximately 10,000 U.S. troops are currently stationed in Poland, largely under rotational presence agreements such as Operation Atlantic Resolve. Permanent and semi-permanent deployments include the missile defense base in Redzikowo, the 5th Corps forward command in Poznań, and logistics hubs in Powidz.
U.S. forces also maintain a significant aerial footprint with F-15 and F-16 fighter jets stationed in Łask, alongside transport aircraft in Powidz. Further ground forces, including a NATO battalion battle group, are positioned in Bemowo Piskie, while divisional command elements are located in Bolesławiec.