Train drivers across Poland began a nationwide go-slow protest on September 11, 2026, reducing speeds to a maximum of 20 km/h at all level crossings. The protest started at midnight and is set to last through the entire day until 24:00, organized by the Polish Locomotive Drivers’ Union (ZZM).
Fatal Collision at Sokolniki Suche
The protest follows a deadly accident on September 9 at Sokolniki Suche, where an Intercity train on the Lublin–Szczecin route collided with a concrete mixer lorry at a level crossing lacking barriers. The collision caused the locomotive and several railcars to derail. A 39-year-old female passenger later died in hospital. The
train driver and lorry driver were among the seriously injured. Investigators reported that the lorry entered the tracks while red warning lights were active. Prosecutors are investigating the incident on suspicion of negligent rail disaster causing, punishable by up to eight years in prison. Interviews with the drivers have not yet been conducted due to their medical conditions.
Impact on Rail Services
The protest’s enforced speed limit at all level crossings nationwide is expected to cause train delays, potentially significant in extent. Leszek Miętek, president of the ZZM, stated that delays are preferable to the continued risk of deaths on the railways. The union
requested participation from all train drivers, regardless of membership status.
Union Campaign and Government Response
Leszek Miętek said the union has consistently warned about dangers at level crossings, noting an average of one accident every two days in Poland. Their “I want to live” campaign, ongoing for over 18 months, focuses on train driver safety and unauthorized road vehicle access to rail tracks. Just two days before the Sokolniki Suche accident, the union issued an appeal addressing escalating safety concerns across the rail network.
In response to the fatal crash, Prime Minister Donald Tusk announced urgent legislative initiatives to tighten penalties for violations at level
crossings. Infrastructure Minister Dariusz Klimczak confirmed radical amendments are planned. The government aims to impose stricter sanctions on drivers who cross when red lights are active or barriers are down. Tusk emphasized the immediate need to revise regulations.
Statements from Key Officials
Leszek Miętek said, “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.” He also remarked, “Wednesday’s accident came as no surprise to us,” underscoring the urgency of safety reforms.
Prime Minister Donald Tusk called for immediate action: “We must
start work immediately on tightening the regulations.” These statements reflect the government’s commitment to addressing the safety issues raised by the union and the recent fatal accident.
