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Sokolniki Suche train collision

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Sokolniki Suche train collision
PKP class EP09-046, the train involved, pictured prior to the accident in August 2020
Map
Approximate location of the collision
Details
Date9 September 2026 (2026-09-09)
11:25 (CEST)
LocationSokolniki Suche, Masovian Voivodeship
Coordinates51°21′48″N 20°45′24″E / 51.36333°N 20.75678°E / 51.36333; 20.75678[1]
CountryPoland
LineTomaszów Mazowiecki–Radom railway
OperatorPKP Intercity
Service2820/1 "Koziołek" Lublin Główny to Szczecin Główny
Incident typeLevel crossing collision, derailment
CauseUnder investigation
Statistics
Trains1
VehiclesPKP class EP09-046, hauling six carriages
Passengers111
Crew3
Deaths1
Injured20 (4 seriously)
Damage3 million PLN (estimated)

At 11:25 CEST on 9 September 2026, a PKP Intercity train derailed after a concrete mixer lorry had collided into a carriage of the train at a level crossing on the Tomaszów Mazowiecki–Radom railway in Sokolniki Suche, Masovian Voivodeship in Poland.

At least 1 passenger was killed and 20 others sustained injuries.[2] 111 passengers and three crew members were onboard the train.[3]

Background

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The Tomaszów Mazowiecki–Radom railway is an electrified 87.2 km (54.2 mi) long railway line, connecting Tomaszów Mazowiecki (in the east) with Radom Główny (in the west).[4] In this section were the accident took place, which was extensively modernised with new tracks in 2025, the line is double-track; its maximum speed is 120 km/h (75 mph).[5][6] The level crossing is unguarded but contains working warning lights with CCTV. The crossing is situated approximately 50 m (160 ft) north of national road 12, between Wieniawa and Skrzynno.[7]

Accident

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At 11:25 CEST on 9 September 2026, the PKP Intercity "Koziołek" train from Lublin Główny to Szczecin Główny, reporting mark 2820/1,[3] derailed after a concrete mixer lorry had collided into the side[8] of the train's first carriage.[9][10] It occurred at an unguarded level crossing with warning lights[11] in Sokolniki Suche, between Wieniawa and Skrzynno railway stations, on the Tomaszów Mazowiecki–Radom railway.[12][13][7] All six carriages hauled by a PKP class EP09-046 electric locomotive derailed, including the locomotive which tipped onto its side to the adjacent track.[9]

The train was travelling 117 km/h (73 mph) upon derailment; the maximum line speed is 120 km/h (75 mph).[10] The driver of the lorry became trapped inside his vehicle and had to be freed by firefighters.[14]

Casualties and responses

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At least one female passenger, who was in the first carriage died, and another 20 were injured.[15] Seven of whom were hospitalised,[16] which included the train driver and two crew members, and the lorry driver; all of whom sustained serious injuries.[13] 30 fire units, eight ambulances, and two air ambulances attended the scene.[3] 67 passengers[8] were transported to a community centre in Skrzynno.[17]

Polish prime minister Donald Tusk said "We will begin work on tightening regulations for those who enter level crossings despite barriers and red lights. This has to stop."[18]

A few hours after the accident, the Trade Union of Train Drivers in Poland [pl] (ZZMK) called for all train drivers in Poland to reduce their speed 20 km/h (10 mph) each time when passing a level crossing, all day on 11 September.[19] The appeal applies to all level crossings, regardless of their category. ZZMK are also advising for train drivers to take their time to exercise extreme caution; "carrying out departure procedures with the utmost caution and without haste". This also comes after the major increase in level crossing accidents in the country, since the start of September of this year.[20] The time of the protest was ultimately reduced to take place until noon of 11 September.[21] PKP Polskie Linie Kolejowe reported that around 30% of trains in Poland took part in the protest,[22] which accumulated to over 23,000 minutes of delays.[23][24]

PKP Intercity cancelled its 25th anniversary celebrating the founding of PKP Intercity and the 100th anniversary of Polish State Railways. It was scheduled for 10 September to be held at Warszawa Główna.[25]

Aftermath

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The line suffered extreme damage; both tracks were deformed, and the overhead wires were destroyed together with their support beams.[1] Traffic on the Wolanów–Przysucha section of the Tomaszów Mazowiecki–Radom railway was suspended. Rail replacement bus services were organised for the passengers and other affected services.[26] Tickets for PKP Intercity trains were accepted onboard Polregio and Łódź Agglomeration Railway services.[18] PKP Intercity trains were rerouted, causing delays. Masovian Railways route R82 was substituted by a replacement bus between Radom Główny and Wolanów, in conjunction with another bus service between Wolanów and Drzewica.[1]

The locomotive involved in the collision, EP09-046, named Rodzyn, along with two of the derailed carriages, will be scrapped.[27] PKP Polskie Linie Kolejowe (PLK) announced its plan to reopen at least the first track by 11 or 12 September,[1] and estimated the cost of damages at approximately 3 million PLN.[28] Work on removing the derailed locomotive and carriages began on 10 September,[29] using two cranes.[30] According to new findings published by Polsat News on the same day, the train actually collided into the lorry, rather than it colliding into the side of the first carriage.[31]

The last carriage was rerailed on the evening of 11 September. PLK reopened the line at 23:25 on the same day, with the line speed (in the section of the accident) being temporarily restricted to 60 km/h (35 mph) and level crossing speed to 20 km/h (10 mph) whilst further repair works are underway.[32]

Preliminary cause

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An investigation team was dispatched to the accident.[33] According to preliminary findings, the concrete mixer lorry struck the first carriage of the train. This impact is what is believed to have caused the entire train to derail.[9] According to PKP Polskie Linie Kolejowe, the level crossing was unguarded with working warning lights and CCTV.[34][7]

The Deputy Minister of Infrastructure, Piotr Malepszak, said the driver of the lorry claims to have been "blinded by the sun",[11] although this claim is yet to be confirmed. Malepszak also said that "the broader problem lay with driver training".[35] The prosecutor in Radom confirmed the collision was an accident, saying "We have no grounds to claim that he intended to cause a disaster. We assume that he failed to exercise due care".[34]

See also

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References

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  1. 1 2 3 4 "Po zderzeniu w Sokolnikach Suchych: trasa przejezdna dopiero pod koniec tygodnia" [After the collision in Sokolniki Suche: the route will be passable only at the end of the week]. Rynek Kolejowy (in Polish). 10 September 2026. Retrieved 10 September 2026.
  2. ↑ "Katastrofa kolejowa na Mazowszu. Nie żyje pasażerka [AKTUALIZACJA]" [Train crash in Masovia. Passenger dies [UPDATE]]. Raport Kolejowy (in Polish). 9 September 2026. Retrieved 9 September 2026.
  3. 1 2 3 "Wykolejenie pociągu na Mazowszu. Doszło do zderzenia z ciężarówką" [A train derailed in Masovia. It collided with a truck.]. Interia Wydarzenia (in Polish). 9 September 2026. Archived from the original on 9 September 2026. Retrieved 9 September 2026.
  4. ↑ "Linia Tomaszów Mazowiecki – Radom Główny (22)". Ogólnopolska Baza Kolejowa (in Polish). Retrieved 10 September 2026.
  5. ↑ "Trwa remont peronów na stacji Przysucha. Prace w ramach modernizacji linii kolejowej numer 22 między Radzicami a Wolanowem" [Platform reconstructions are underway at Przysucha station. Work is part of the modernisation of railway line no. 22 between Radzice and Wolanów.]. Echodnia (in Polish). 5 February 2025. Retrieved 10 September 2026.
  6. ↑ "Linia Tomaszów Mazowiecki – Radom Główny (22)". Ogólnopolska Baza Kolejowa (in Polish). Retrieved 10 September 2026. Historia [History]
  7. 1 2 3 "Tragedia na przejeździe kolejowym w Sokolnikach Suchych. Tak wygląda miejsce wypadku" [Tragedy at the railway crossing in Sokolniki Suche. This is what the accident scene looks like.]. Onet (in Polish). 9 September 2026. Retrieved 9 September 2026.
  8. 1 2 "Wypadek pociągu na Mazowszu. Zmarła jedna osoba [WIDEO + FOTO]" [Train accident in Masovia. One person died [VIDEO + PHOTO]]. pap (in Polish). 9 September 2026. Retrieved 9 September 2026.
  9. 1 2 3 "IC Koziołek zderzył się z betoniarką! Maszynista ranny, dwie ofiary śmiertelne [AKTUALIZACJA]" [IC Koziołek collided with a concrete mixer! Driver injured, two fatalities [UPDATE]]. Rynek Kolejowy (in Polish). 9 September 2026. Archived from the original on 10 September 2026. Retrieved 9 September 2026.
  10. 1 2 "Krajobraz po katastrofie kolejowej w Sokolnikach Suchych koło Przysuchy. Są nowe zdjęcia" [The landscape after the train crash in Sokolniki Suche near Przysucha. New photos available.]. Moj Radom (in Polish). 9 September 2026. Retrieved 9 September 2026.
  11. 1 2 "Passenger killed after train hits truck at Poland level crossing". BBC News. 9 September 2026. Retrieved 9 September 2026.
  12. ↑ "Katastrofa pod Przysuchą. Ciężarówka wbiła się w pociąg [ZDJĘCIA]" [Disaster near Przysucha. A lorry crashed into a train [PHOTOS]]. 30 Onet (in Polish). 9 September 2026. Archived from the original on 9 September 2026. Retrieved 9 September 2026.
  13. 1 2 "Wykolejenie pociągu na Mazowszu. Trwa akcja służb" [Train derailment in Masovia. Emergency services are underway.]. Polsat News (in Polish). 9 September 2026. Retrieved 9 September 2026.
  14. ↑ "Train derails after smashing into truck at level crossing in Poland - several injured". Express. 9 September 2026. Retrieved 9 September 2026.
  15. ↑ ""Pociągiem przecież nie skręcę". Maszynista po tragedii na Mazowszu" ["I can't turn the train." A driver after the tragedy in Masovia]. Interia Wydarzenia (in Polish). 9 September 2026. Archived from the original on 10 September 2026. Retrieved 9 September 2026.
  16. ↑ "Tragiczny finał wypadku na Mazowszu. Nie żyje pasażerka Intercity" [A tragic accident in Masovia ends. An Intercity passenger dies.]. Newsmax Polska (in Polish). 9 September 2026. Retrieved 9 September 2026.
  17. ↑ "Wykolejenie pociągu na Mazowszu. Nie żyje jedna osoba" [Train derailment in Masovia. One person dead.]. RMF24 (in Polish). 9 September 2026. Archived from the original on 9 September 2026. Retrieved 9 September 2026.
  18. 1 2 "One dead, several injured after train collides with truck in Poland". Euro News. 9 September 2026. Retrieved 9 September 2026.
  19. ↑ "Maszyniści zapowiadają protest. ZZM alarmuje ws. bezpieczeństwa na kolei" [Train drivers announce protest. ZZM issues alert regarding railway safety]. Kolejowy Portal (in Polish). 9 September 2026. Retrieved 9 September 2026.
  20. ↑ "Będzie strajk maszynistów? „Przez wszystkie przejazdy z prędkością do 20 km/h"" [Will there be a train drivers' strike? "All crossings will be subject to a speed limit of 20 km/h."]. Rynek Kolejowy (in Polish). 9 September 2026. Retrieved 9 September 2026.
  21. ↑ "Dziś pociągi mają opóźnienia. To wiadomość od maszynistów" [Trains are delayed today. This is a message from the drivers.]. Business Insider (in Polish). 11 September 2026. Retrieved 12 September 2026.
  22. ↑ "Protest maszynistów paraliżuje kolej. Opóźnionych jest około 30 proc. pociągów" [A protest by train drivers is paralysing the railway system. Approximately 30 percent of trains are delayed.]. TVP3 Kraków (in Polish). 11 September 2026. Retrieved 12 September 2026.
  23. ↑ "Koniec protestu maszynistów. Ponad 23 tys. minut opóźnień" [Train drivers' protest ends. Delays exceed 23,000 minutes.]. Rynek Kolejowy (in Polish). 11 September 2026. Retrieved 12 September 2026.
  24. ↑ "Protest maszynistów. Ponad 23 tysiące minut opóźnień pociągów" [Train drivers' protest: Over 23,000 minutes of train delays]. Podlasie24 (in Polish). 11 September 2026. Retrieved 12 September 2026.
  25. ↑ "Nie będzie świętowania na Głównym. Po tragedii w Sokolnikach PKP Intercity odwołują jubileusz" [There will be no celebration at the Main Railway Station. After the tragedy in Sokolniki, PKP Intercity cancels the anniversary celebration.]. Rynek Kolejowy (in Polish). 9 September 2026. Archived from the original on 10 September 2026. Retrieved 9 September 2026.
  26. ↑ "Zderzenie pociągu z ciężarówką. 20 osób rannych, w tym maszynista i kierowca". Radio Kolor (in Polish). 9 September 2026. Retrieved 9 September 2026. Utrudnienia [Disruptions]
  27. ↑ "To już pewne – EP09-046 do kasacji. Co z wagonami? Wstępnie tylko jeden do naprawy [AKTUALIZACJA]" [It's certain now – EP09-046 is scheduled for scrapping. What about the carriages? Initially, only one needs repair [UPDATE]]. Rynek Kolejowy (in Polish). 11 September 2026. Retrieved 12 September 2026.
  28. ↑ "Katastrofa w Sokolnikach Suchych. PKP PLK szacują straty na 3 mln zł" [The Sokolniki Suche disaster. PKP PLK estimates losses at PLN 3 million.]. Newsmax Polska (in Polish). 10 September 2026. Retrieved 10 September 2026.
  29. ↑ "Wypadek kolejowy w Sokolnikach Suchych k. Przysuchy. Służby nadal pracują [WIDEO]" [Train accident in Sokolniki Suche near Przysucha. Emergency services are still working [VIDEO]]. pap.pl (in Polish). 10 September 2026. Retrieved 10 September 2026.
  30. ↑ "Lokomotywa i część wagonów z Sokolnik Suchych usunięta. Trwa naprawa torowiska i sieci trakcyjnej" [The locomotive and some of the carriages have been removed from Sokolniki Suche. Repairs to the track and overhead lines are underway.]. Rynek Kolejowy (in Polish). 10 September 2026. Retrieved 10 September 2026.
  31. ↑ ""Ciężarówka wjechała przed czoło lokomotywy". Nowe ustalenia ws. wykolejenia pociągu" ["Lorry drove in front of locomotive." New findings regarding train derailment]. Polsat News (in Polish). 10 September 2026. Retrieved 10 September 2026.
  32. ↑ "Przywrócono ruch pociągów na linii kolejowej nr 22" [Train traffic has been restored on railway line No. 22]. Rynek Kolejowy (in Polish). 11 September 2026. Retrieved 12 September 2026.
  33. ↑ "Kolejarze badają przyczyny wypadku. Pierwsze ustalenia" [Railway workers are investigating the causes of the accident. Initial findings]. 10 September 2026 (in Polish). 9 September 2026. pp. TVN24.
  34. 1 2 "Nowe ustalenia śledczych po wypadku w Sokolnikach. Chodzi o kierowcę ciężarówki" [New findings from investigators after the Sokolniki accident. The driver is involved.]. Fakt.pl (in Polish). 9 September 2026. Retrieved 10 September 2026.
  35. ↑ "One dead, 20 injured as train hits concrete mixer and derails in central Poland". TVP World. 9 September 2026. Retrieved 9 September 2026.
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