Polish train drivers began a nationwide go-slow protest on 11 September 2026, crossing all level crossings at no more than 20 km/h starting at midnight until 24:00. The action, called by the Polish Locomotive Drivers’ Union (ZZM), aims to draw attention to rail safety concerns following a fatal accident earlier that week.
Fatal Collision at Sokolniki Suche Triggers Protest
The protest responds to a crash on Wednesday, before 11 September, at the Sokolniki Suche level crossing where an Intercity train on the Lublin–Szczecin route collided with a concrete mixer lorry. The accident caused derailment of the locomotive and several railcars. A 39-year-old female passenger succumbed to injuries
in hospital, while the train and lorry drivers were seriously hurt.
Investigations indicate the lorry entered the crossing despite active red warning lights. The crossing lacked physical barriers. Prosecutors are treating the incident as a rail disaster, which can carry prison sentences up to eight years. Both drivers have not yet been interviewed due to medical treatment.
Union’s Longstanding Safety Concerns and Campaign
Leszek Miętek, president of the Polish Locomotive Drivers’ Union (ZZM), stated the union has warned about level crossing risks for over 18 months through its ‘I want to live’ campaign. According to ZZM, Poland averages an accident at a level crossing every two
days. Miętek called Wednesday’s accident unsurprising but said it marked a “red line” for the union demanding urgent action.
Government Response Includes Legislative Action
Following the accident, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk announced immediate steps to tighten crossing regulations and increase penalties for violations. “We must start work immediately on tightening the regulations,” Tusk said. Minister for Infrastructure Dariusz Klimczak confirmed that radical legislative amendments are underway to enhance rail safety enforcement.
Nationwide Rail Delays Expected
The go-slow protest has caused widespread disruption across Poland’s rail network, with delays expected throughout 11 September 2026. ZZM’s Miętek acknowledged the likelihood of significant train delays but emphasized their priority to prevent
further fatalities on the railways.
Miętek stated, “There are likely to be train delays, possibly even significant ones. But we believe it is better to have delays for a day than for people to continue dying on the railways.” The union called on all train drivers nationwide to comply with the reduced speed limit at level crossings during the protest.
