A dangerous incident involving a tram occurred in the center of Poznań. A metal track component, known as a "check rail" or "guard rail," unexpectedly pierced the vehicle's floor while it was in motion. The incident took place near the ZWM stop on the three-rail section of the Poznań Fast Tram (PST). Fortunately, none of the passengers were injured. The Poznań Municipal Transport Authority (ZTM) is investigating the cause of the failure and has suspended tram traffic in the area for repairs, implementing replacement bus services.

Tram Floor Pierced

While traveling in Poznań, a sharp, metal structural component of the track pierced completely through the tram's floor. Passengers described that a piece of the track suddenly "shot up," breaking through into the interior of the car. No injuries were reported at the scene.

Location of the Incident and Replacement Service

The incident took place near the ZWM stop on the Poznań Fast Tram route, in an area with three rails where trams can change tracks. ZTM Poznań suspended tram traffic on the section from the Górczyn loop to the intersection of Głogowska and Grottgera streets. In its place, a replacement bus service on lines marked with the letter "Z" was launched.

Causes and the Manager's Response

The Municipal Transport Authority informed that the incident occurred due to damage to the check rail, colloquially known as a "snake." This component is used to guide the tram's wheels at a switch. The reason for its detachment and violent ejection is the subject of a technical investigation. Media also quote passengers who had long been reporting irregularities and concerning noises on this section of track.

On Tuesday morning in Poznań, a dangerous incident occurred when a track component pierced the floor of a moving tram. The event took place near the ZWM stop on the route of the Poznań Fast Tram (PST). The metal fragment, identified as a check rail (colloquially known as a "snake"), detached from the track bed and violently pierced the vehicle's interior, puncturing its floor. Fortunately, none of the passengers sustained any injuries. Witnesses reported that the metal piece suddenly "shot up" from under the vehicle, causing shock among those on board. The Poznań Municipal Transport Authority (ZTM) immediately took action. Tram traffic on the section from the Górczyn loop to the intersection of Głogowska and Grottgera streets was completely suspended. In its place, a replacement bus service, marked with the letter "Z," was introduced. As informed by the ZTM spokesperson, the cause of the incident was damage to the check rail at a switch. This component, mounted next to the main running rail, is designed to guide the tram's wheels during a track change. A technical investigation is to determine why it detached and was ejected with such force. Local media, such as "Głos Wielkopolski," quote passengers who had for some time been pointing out irregularities and the characteristic "snaking" noises on this section, suggesting the problem may have been building up. One quoted passenger stated: "It was snaking, now it bites." The Poznań Fast Tram is a system of segregated tram tracks, built since the 1990s, designed to provide faster and more reliable travel across the city. Within it, advanced track solutions are used, including switches that allow for track changes without the need to reduce speed. The check rail is a key component of such a switch.The three-rail section near ZWM, where the incident occurred, is a fragment enabling such maneuverability. This incident sheds light on the issues of maintenance and safety of rail infrastructure in Polish cities, which is subject to continuous operational stress. ZTM Poznań must now not only repair the failure but also conduct broader inspections to prevent similar situations in the future. The lack of casualties in this case can be considered very fortunate, as a moving metal piece piercing the floor could have resulted in serious injuries.

Mentioned People

  • Rzecznik ZTM Poznań — A representative of the transport authority who informed about the causes of the incident and the implemented changes to the service.