Warsaw city bus crashes into underpass after hitting tram and seven cars, injuring up to seven
A Warsaw city bus collided with a tram and at least seven cars before crashing down stairs into an underground pedestrian passage near Dworzec Zachodni on Sunday afternoon. Emergency services report between three and seven people injured, including one child.
What happened
At around 18:00 on Sunday, a Warsaw city bus of line 186 collided with a tram at the intersection of Grójecka and Bitwy Warszawskiej streets. The driver then continued towards Rondo Zesłańców Syberyjskich, hitting at least seven other cars along the way. Near the roundabout, the bus crashed through bollards, went down a flight of stairs, and entered the underground pedestrian passage. The vehicle struck the ceiling with its roof and became wedged on the stairs, which prevented it from sliding deeper into the tunnel.
On Grójecka and Bitwy Warszawskiej streets, there was an incident involving an MZA bus of line 186, where the bus driver collided with a tram and then drove off towards Rondo Zesłańców Syberyjskich.
For now, we only know that the ZTM bus stopped at Rondo Zesłańców Syberyjskich, and earlier it probably damaged seven other vehicles. The bus has a gas installation.
- Bus collides with tram at Grójecka and Bitwy Warszawskiej intersection.
- Bus drives towards Rondo Zesłańców Syberyjskich, hitting at least seven cars.
- Bus crashes through bollards, down stairs into underpass, hits ceiling; police receive report.
Injuries and emergency response
Initial police reports said three people were injured, but the fire brigade later indicated the number could be as high as seven. Among the injured is one child. None of the injuries are life-threatening, according to TVN Warszawa. Over a dozen ambulance teams and a specialist medical group from the State Fire Service were deployed, ready to set up a field hospital if needed. The bus was equipped with a gas installation, which added risk during the rescue operation.
At this moment, three people are injured, two adults, including one minor. The driver was tested for alcohol and is sober, but remains at the disposal of officers.
Traffic chaos
Bitwy Warszawskiej street was completely closed, paralyzing traffic around Dworzec Zachodni, one of Warsaw's busiest transport hubs. Police manually directed vehicles, but drivers faced massive jams in the Wola and Ochota districts. A passenger car also ended up in the underpass, according to Rzeczpospolita.
Investigation
The driver, who was sober, will also be tested for drugs. Police are investigating whether the crash was caused by a technical fault, driver error, or another factor. The bus's gas installation is being examined as part of the inquiry. No official cause has been determined yet.
