A passenger train named “Żubr” struck bison on Sunday morning near Witowo, in Poland’s Podlasie province, causing a temporary track blockage.
Train-Bison Collision Disrupts Rail Traffic
The incident occurred after 7:00 AM on Sunday in the Hajnówka county, near the village of Witowo, located between Hajnówka and Czeremcha. The Intercity train, number 1116/7, known as “Żubr,” was involved in the collision.
The train was carrying 52 passengers and three crew members. No injuries were reported among those on board. However, three bison died as a result of the impact, according to Piotr Sienkiewicz, a brigadier engineer with the Hajnówka County State Fire Service.
Investigation Launched, Route Temporarily Blocked
A special commission, including representatives from PKP Intercity and Polish State Railways (PKP), has been established to investigate the incident. The Warsaw-Białystok railway line was temporarily blocked following the collision.
PKP Intercity announced that passengers affected by the delay of the “Żubr” train were offered alternative transportation and ticket validation on a Mazovian Railway train.
Route Cleared, Service Resumed
After the train stopped, the driver immediately reported the incident. Emergency services, including the fire department, responded to the scene. By 9:00 AM, the route was cleared, and the train continued its journey to Warsaw. Normal traffic flow has been restored.
PKP Intercity spokesperson Anna Zakrzewska stated that the commission includes representatives from both PKP Intercity and Polish State Railways.