A tragic crash in Ziębice shocked all of Poland. On 21 December 2025 a young couple died at a level crossing, leaving their two-year-old daughter orphaned. Months later, the barriers still fail and residents fear another disaster.
What happened in Ziębice?
On 21 December at about 11:00, a Kia carrying the young married couple drove onto the crossing at ul. Przemysłowa and was hit by a train running from Prague to Gdynia. The impact was enormous – Iwona and Krystian died at the scene. PKP PLK (Polish Rail Infrastructure Manager) confirmed that the barriers were raised and the signalling did not activate.
A witness told TVN: „I thought it was a dream. The car just drove onto the tracks”. The prosecutor’s office and the Polish State Railway Accident Investigation Commission (PKBWK) opened an investigation. Initial tests showed faulty sensors.
Repairs after the tragedy – promises without effect?
PKP PLK reacted quickly. After the crash, the old sensors were dismantled and new ones installed. Train speed was raised from 20 to 60 km/h, and the signalling passed trials with a rail trolley.
However, on 19 March 2026 residents raised the alarm again. A photo circulating online shows a car waiting before the crossing, red lights flashing, a train approaching – and the barriers open! This raises questions: were the repairs superficial?
Residents complain of chronic failures. „Like an old clock – it works for a week, then it stops” one of them commented in local media.
Why do the barriers in Ziębice keep failing?
The crossing is category B and has an automatic system, but older sensors often fail. Experts point to maintenance neglect – similar incidents happened earlier.
Local authorities announce meetings with PKP.
