Freight train derails into Poprad River in southern Poland, six empty wagons off tracks
No injuries reported after a freight train's six empty wagons left the tracks near Piwniczna-Zdrój on Friday afternoon, with some falling into the Poprad River. Rail traffic between Nowy Sącz and Krynica-Zdrój is suspended and replacement buses are running.
What happened
On Friday, 17 July 2026, at around 15:30, a freight train travelling from Muszyna to Kędzierzyn-Koźle derailed on the border of Łomnica-Zdrój and Wierchomla Wielka in the municipality of Piwniczna-Zdrój, Małopolska. Six empty wagons left the tracks on the Wierchomla - Piwniczna section of railway line 96. Some of the wagons slid down an embankment and ended up in the Poprad River. Photographs and videos shared online, including by mayor Tomasz Michałowski, showed the wagons partially submerged. The train was carrying no cargo, and the line runs close to the river along provincial road 971.
No injuries, driver sober
No one was hurt. The driver was the only person on board, and police confirmed he was sober.
According to our findings, the driver was the only person on the train. The man was sober.
Emergency services, including the fire brigade and PKP PLK personnel, secured the site. The mayor warned that the line would be impassable for hours.
A freight train derailed into the Poprad River near Wierchomla. As a result, the railway line towards Krynica-Zdrój and in the opposite direction will be impassable for the next few hours.
Rail disruption and replacement buses
All rail traffic between Nowy Sącz and Krynica-Zdrój was halted. PKP Intercity and POLREGIO organised replacement bus services. Affected long-distance trains included IC 33100 "Malinowski" from Krynica-Zdrój, TLK 30105 "Małopolska" to Krynica-Zdrój, and TLK 33170 "Karpaty" from Krynica-Zdrój, for which a bus replacement was arranged on the Muszyna - Kraków Główny section. PKP PLK spokesperson Piotr Hamarnik said it was unclear how long the disruption would last.
Some of the wagons rolled into the Poprad River. Traffic on railway line 94 on the Nowy Sącz - Krynica-Zdrój section has been halted.
Investigation begins
The cause of the derailment is not yet known. PKP PLK specialists are examining the track and the wagons. The police are also involved, but no criminal investigation has been announced. The empty wagons were being moved between freight yards, and the line runs close to the river along the provincial road 971.
Passenger advice
Passengers were urged to check the Portal Pasażera website and station announcements for updates. PKP Intercity asked travellers to expect delays and to follow carrier communications. The line is a popular route for tourists heading to Krynica-Zdrój, a spa town, during the summer season.
