On Tuesday morning in Poznań, a dangerous incident occurred when a broken-off fragment of a check rail, commonly known as a 'wężyk' (snake rail), pierced the floor of a moving tram on line 14. The event took place on the route of the Poznań Fast Tram (PST), near the ZWM stop. None of the passengers were harmed, although the incident caused great shock. Tram traffic on a significant section was suspended and replaced by bus services. The Municipal Transport Authority is investigating the cause of the failure and checking the condition of similar components on the network.
Tram floor pierced
While traveling near the ZWM stop, a fragment of a metal check rail detached from the track and with great force pierced the vehicle's floor, entering the passenger compartment. Witnesses describe the element suddenly 'shooting out' from under the tram.
Evacuation and substitute transport
The tram was immediately evacuated, and traffic on the PST line from the Górczyn loop to the intersection of Głogowska and Grottgera streets was completely suspended. A substitute bus service, marked with the letter 'Z', was introduced on the route.
Causes and ZTM's response
According to preliminary findings by the Municipal Transport Authority, the cause was a fault in the check rail on a turnout. ZTM announced a detailed technical investigation and a review of all similar elements on the tram network to prevent a recurrence of the situation.
Passenger signals about problems
Local media report that passengers had been reporting characteristic 'snaking' noises and irregularities on this section of track for a longer time, which may have indicated a growing problem with the infrastructure.
On Tuesday around 8:00 AM, a dangerous incident occurred on the route of the Poznań Fast Tram (PST). A track component, identified as a broken-off check rail (colloquially called a 'wężyk'), pierced the floor of a moving Moderus Alfa type tram. The incident happened near the ZWM stop, on a three-rail section allowing for track changes. The metal fragment forcefully penetrated the vehicle's interior, puncturing its floor. Fortunately, none of the passengers were injured, although the incident caused shock among them. The tram, which was full of passengers, was immediately evacuated. Witnesses report hearing a loud bang and then seeing the metal element 'shoot out' from under the vehicle and pierce the floor. Tram traffic on the PST line on the section from the Górczyn loop to the intersection of Głogowska and Grottgera streets was completely suspended. In its place, a substitute bus service, marked with the letter 'Z', was introduced. As reported by the spokesperson for the Municipal Transport Authority in Poznań, the cause of the incident was damage to the check rail on a turnout. This element, mounted next to the main running rail, is designed to guide the tram's wheels during a track change. The Poznań Fast Tram is a system of separated, non-conflict tram tracks, built in stages since the 1990s. Its goal is to provide faster and more punctual connections between city districts, bypassing the most congested intersections. PST infrastructure is characterized by the use of advanced solutions, including turnouts that allow for track changes without the need for significant slowing down.The technical investigation is to determine the exact cause of the element's detachment. ZTM also announced a review of all similar check rails on the city's tram network. Local media, citing passenger accounts, indicate that the problem may have been building up. Some users had been pointing out irregularities and characteristic noises accompanying rides on this section for a longer time. One passenger, quoted by 'Głos Wielkopolski', commented on the event with the words: 'It was snaking, now it bites'. The incident sheds light on issues concerning the technical condition and safety of rail infrastructure in Polish cities, which is subject to intensive use. The Municipal Transport Authority in Poznań must not only fix the specific fault but also undertake broader preventive actions. The lack of casualties in this case can be considered a fortunate coincidence, as a moving metal element piercing the floor could have led to serious injuries. The situation forced a reorganization of traffic, which will translate into difficulties for passengers using this important transport line.