Poland investigate Warsaw–Lublin railway explosion linked to mobile phones

Polish media report that the recent explosion on the Warsaw–Lublin railway line may have been remotely triggered using mobile phones.

Authorities are investigating the incident as a deliberate act of sabotage, highlighting the strategic significance of the railway corridor for transport support to Ukraine, Caliber.Az reports, citing Polish media.

Polish authorities have identified the individuals who purchased the two SIM cards potentially used to detonate explosives on the targeted section of the line. One device successfully detonated, while the second failed to ignite for unknown reasons. Law enforcement officials recovered the SIM cards from the devices and traced the buyers’ personal information; the cards were issued by a Polish mobile operator.

On the morning of November 17, Prime Minister Donald Tusk confirmed that the railway explosion is being treated as an intentional act of sabotage. The Warsaw–Lublin route is recognized as a critical transport artery for supporting Ukraine, underscoring the potential strategic motives behind the attack.

In response, Poland deployed Territorial Defence units to secure and patrol key sections of the nation’s railway infrastructure. By the night of November 18, train services on the damaged line were fully restored, according to official reports.

Authorities continue to investigate the incident, examining both the technical methods used and the potential perpetrators behind the attack, as Poland heightens security along crucial transport networks.

The incident happened on the track between Warsaw and Lublin to the south-east, and the route was crucially important for delivering aid to Ukraine.

The damage near Mika, about 100km (60 miles) south-east of Warsaw, was detected at around 07:30 local time (06:30 GMT) on November 16 morning by a train driver who was forced to make an emergency stop.

Photographs from the scene appear to show a section of track missing. There were only two passengers and several staff on board the train and no one was hurt.

On November 17, the interior minister confirmed that the use of explosives was "beyond any doubt", though he didn't go into detail, citing the ongoing investigation.

Poland's railway network is a critical part of the military supply lines for its neighbour as well as a route for civilians moving in and out of the country.

By Vafa Guliyeva