One person has died after a passenger train collided with a lorry at a railway level crossing in Poland, causing the train to derail and triggering a massive emergency response.
The crash happened on Sunday in the Obornicki district as the regional passenger train operated by Koleje Wielkopolskie was travelling from Rogozno to Poznan.
According to eyewitnesses, the lorry driver reportedly stopped at the railway crossing before suddenly driving directly into the side of the moving train.
The impact caused severe damage to both vehicles, with the truck reportedly bursting into flames moments after the collision.
Images from the scene showed parts of the passenger train derailed while the lorry’s cabin was completely crushed beside the tracks.
Emergency services rushed to the area shortly after the crash was reported.
Authorities confirmed that one person died in the railway disaster, while dozens of passengers sustained injuries of varying severity.
At least one injured victim was transported to hospital for further treatment.
A large-scale rescue operation was launched involving 11 units from the State Fire Service and Volunteer Fire Departments from nearby towns.
Reports also stated that three air ambulance helicopters and five ambulances were deployed to the scene to assist with rescue and medical efforts.
Firefighters, police officers and railway authorities worked for hours at the crash site as investigations began into the cause of the incident.
The State Commission for the Investigation of Railway Accidents is expected to conduct a full investigation into the deadly collision.
The tragedy has shocked local communities and once again raised concerns over safety at railway level crossings in the country.
