Polish tractor driver endangers 500 train passengers in Czarlin collision

On 3 August 2026, a 67‑year‑old tractor driver under the influence of alcohol entered a level crossing at Czarlin in the Pomeranian Voivodeship. The tractor, pulling two baled‑straw trailers, collided with a passenger train on the Bielsko‑Biała – Gdynia route. Although the impact damaged the locomotive and the trailers, no one was injured; however, the incident threatened the safety of roughly 500 passengers on board.

Police measured the driver’s blood‑alcohol level at 0.27 mg/L, arrested him and opened an investigation. Polskie Linie Kolejowe (Polish Railways) issued a statement emphasizing that the driver’s reckless behavior jeopardised the lives of passengers and caused significant service disruptions, with replacement trains and delays of up to 20 minutes. The event highlights the dangers of crossing violations, especially when alcohol is involved.