Rail strike triggers widespread delays across Poland

A nationwide strike by train drivers in Poland has caused widespread delays across the country’s rail network, according to Polish media outlet Onet.

The protest, organised by the Railway Drivers’ Trade Union, is scheduled to continue until noon on Friday, September 11. During the strike, around 3,000 trains are due to operate across Poland, but trains approaching and passing through level crossings are required to reduce their speed to 20 km/h, contributing to significant disruption.

The longest delays have already exceeded three hours, while several trains are running at least an hour behind schedule and dozens more are delayed by more than 30 minutes.

A total of 246 trains have reportedly been delayed or have yet to depart, although the protest is not responsible for all of the disruptions.

The disruption comes two days after a serious rail accident in central Poland. On Wednesday morning, September 9, a train travelling between Lublin and Szczecin partially derailed in the village of Sokolniki Suche after colliding with a heavy goods vehicle that, according to initial findings, had entered the tracks at a level crossing despite the warning lights being activated. The crossing was not equipped with barriers.

The train was carrying at least 114 people, including three crew members. A 39-year-old woman who had been travelling in the first carriage later died in hospital from her injuries, prosecutors said on Wednesday.

Four other people, including the drivers of the train and the truck, remain hospitalised in serious condition.

Prosecutors said that, based on the evidence gathered so far, they would open an investigation into the alleged offence of unintentionally causing a rail disaster. The crime carries a prison sentence of between six months and eight years.

By Tamilla Hasanova