Polish authorities are investigating a suspected act of sabotage following an explosion on the railway line connecting Warsaw with Lublin. Prime Minister Donald Tusk, who visited the site near the Mika station early Monday morning, said the blast was “most likely intended to derail the train travelling from Warsaw to Dęblin.”
“No tragedy occurred, fortunately, but the situation is very serious,” Tusk stressed.
Security services — including the Internal Security Agency (ABW), the police, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBŚP) and the prosecutor’s office — are working at the scene. The prime minister announced an extraordinary meeting of the Government Committee for National Security for Tuesday, with participation from military commanders, intelligence chiefs, and a representative of the president.
According to Interior Minister Marcin Kierwiński, investigators have already secured “a substantial amount of evidence that will allow very fast identification of the perpetrators of this disgraceful act.” A formal investigation is ongoing.
Explosion on the Tracks: Prime Minister at the Scene
The detonation, which damaged a section of track on the Warsaw–Lublin route, is being described by government officials as an unprecedented act of sabotage aimed at undermining public safety.
“There is no doubt that we are dealing with an act of sabotage. Experts are examining every detail,” Prime Minister Tusk said in a recorded statement from the site.
He added that another attempted attack may have taken place elsewhere along the same railway corridor.
“We also faced an attempt to destabilise and destroy railway infrastructure at another location. This, too, could have caused a disaster. The situation is evolving,” Tusk warned.
The prime minister assured the public that all relevant agencies are fully engaged and that the perpetrators will be found and held accountable.
“As in past cases of this kind — we will catch those responsible, regardless of who is directing them,” he said.
Military to Inspect 120 km of Track Toward Ukrainian Border
Deputy Prime Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz confirmed that the military has joined the investigation. Soldiers are inspecting approximately 120 kilometres of railway leading toward the Ukrainian border near Hrubieszów to ensure there are no additional threats.
Coordinated Security Response
During a press briefing at the Chancellery of the Prime Minister, Ministers Marcin Kierwiński, Waldemar Żurek, Dariusz Klimczak and Tomasz Siemoniak outlined the scope of the response.
Kierwiński emphasised that top specialists from special services have been assigned to the case.
“A large volume of evidence has been secured. From the very first minutes after the incident was discovered, all state services were on site and have been working in full coordination,” he said.
Investigators have collected CCTV footage from the surrounding area as well as physical materials found near the blast site.
A joint special task force — including representatives of the prosecutor’s office, the CBŚP and the ABW — has been formed. Preparatory proceedings have already been launched.
Justice Minister Waldemar Żurek noted the seriousness of such offences:
“In acts of sabotage, the threat level is extremely high. Penalties range from 10 years in prison up to life imprisonment.”
According to Infrastructure Minister Dariusz Klimczak, alertness among train drivers and railway staff helped avert a catastrophe.
“All procedures worked. Posts and teams have been reinforced. We remain vigilant and composed,” he said.
Sabotage Attempts Linked to Foreign Intelligence Activity
Tomasz Siemoniak, Minister for Special Services Coordination, noted that Poland has been targeted by foreign-directed sabotage operations since January 2024.
“Since then, 55 individuals have been detained, several have been arrested, a number convicted, and many expelled from Poland. For the ABW and the Military Counterintelligence Service, there is no higher priority than protecting the country against these threats. Safety on our streets, in our trains, and on our roads — that is our mission,” he said.
Siemoniak added that Poland remains in close contact with its international partners. Similar sabotage attempts have been reported in recent years in Germany, the Czech Republic and Lithuania.
The investigation into the Warsaw–Lublin railway explosion continues, with authorities cautioning that the situation remains dynamic and further findings are expected in the coming days.
