Truck Driver in Poznań Escapes Train Collision by Seconds at Level Crossing
In the Polish city of Poznań, a tanker truck driver became trapped on a railway crossing and drove off the tracks only seconds before an Intercity train passed through. The man later turned himself in to police, who confiscated his driving licence.
In the Polish city of Poznań, the driver of a tanker truck became stuck on the tracks of a railway level crossing between barriers that had already come down. He got clear only seconds before an Intercity passenger train, running on the Mockava–Szczecin route, sped through the crossing. The incident is a fresh reminder of the danger of entering a crossing without being sure it can be cleared.
How the incident unfolded
Another road user filmed the scene, and the footage later spread on social media. Railway representatives then released surveillance camera video as well. According to eyewitnesses and railway officials, the driver managed to leave the tracks literally a couple of seconds before the train arrived. Had he not reacted instantly, the consequences could have been severe.
The driver's actions afterwards
At first the driver simply continued on his way and left the scene. After the video appeared online, however, he went to a police station himself. Officers confirmed his identity and confiscated his driving licence. The case has been passed on for further investigation.
Rail operator's warning
Representatives of the railway company PKP say that a traffic jam never gives drivers the right to enter the tracks unless they are sure they can cross safely. Specialists note that if a vehicle stops or is blocked between lowered barriers, the correct course is to break through them with the vehicle and then alert the relevant services, because a train cannot stop immediately.
