Dramatic scenes unfolded in Warsaw after a city bus operating on Route 186 collided with a tram, plowed through a series of vehicles for nearly one kilometer, and ultimately crashed into an underground pedestrian passage near Warsaw West Railway Station (Dworzec Zachodni). Six people were injured. The Municipal Bus Company (MZA) has since issued a statement dismissing speculation circulating online, including claims that the vehicle had been remotely taken over.
The incident occurred on Sunday at approximately 6:20 p.m. near the Rondo Zesłańców Syberyjskich roundabout. According to police findings, the Solaris Urbino 18 articulated bus, operated by the Municipal Bus Company (MZA), first collided with a tram before continuing toward the roundabout, striking multiple vehicles along the way. It eventually crashed into an underground pedestrian passage, pushing one passenger car into the underpass as well.
Authorities say the bus traveled dangerously for about one kilometer, passing through several intersections before finally coming to a stop. Investigators believe it was only halted after the roof struck the ceiling of the pedestrian passage, preventing it from traveling any further. In total, more than a dozen vehicles were damaged.
Six people were injured in the crash. Two of them—including one minor—were taken to hospital. According to emergency services, the injured included a woman who suffered pelvic injuries and multiple bruises, as well as a child with head lacerations. The remaining four victims sustained less serious injuries.
Several fire brigade units responded to the scene. The technical rescue operation, which involved removing first the passenger car and then the bus from the underground passage, lasted for several hours.
Deputy Inspector Jacek Wiśniewski, spokesperson for the Warsaw Metropolitan Police Commander, said the bus was driven by a 58-year-old Polish citizen. According to the driver’s account, the vehicle may have suffered a technical malfunction, specifically a braking failure. The driver tested negative for both alcohol and narcotics.
MZA: Remote Takeover Was Impossible
On Monday, the Municipal Bus Company issued a statement addressing media speculation regarding the possible causes of the accident. The company said it would refrain from commenting on the causes until the vehicle has been thoroughly examined by a team of MZA specialists and representatives of the manufacturer.
“At present, the case is being investigated exclusively by the police and the prosecutor’s office, which have secured the bus,” said MZA spokesperson Adam Stawicki.
The company firmly rejected two theories that have circulated publicly. First, it dismissed speculation that the accelerator pedal had malfunctioned.
“No failures of the accelerator pedal have been recorded in the series of buses to which fleet vehicle No. 7717 belongs. Based on the information available to us, a failure of the potentiometer would result in the vehicle becoming immobilized rather than accelerating,” Stawicki explained.
Secondly, MZA categorically denied suggestions that the bus could have been remotely controlled.
“We also reject speculation regarding the possibility of remotely taking control of the vehicle. The bus manufacturer has confirmed that no such technical capability exists,” the spokesperson added.
The company emphasized that it remains in constant contact with the manufacturer, Solaris Bus & Coach, which is providing technical assistance during the investigation.
The exact cause of the crash is now being investigated by the police and the prosecutor’s office, which have secured the vehicle for forensic examination. A detailed technical inspection of the bus, together with analysis of video footage showing its route before the collision—some of which has already surfaced online—is expected to play a key role in determining what led to the dramatic incident.