On Tuesday, April 29, 2025, a tragic incident unfolded at the University Hospital in Krakow, where a doctor was fatally stabbed by a patient during a routine examination. The attack occurred at approximately 10:30 AM in the orthopedic clinic while the doctor was attending to another patient, transforming the usual bustle of the hospital into a scene of horror.
Eyewitness accounts describe how the assailant, a 35-year-old man from the Jędrzejów district, entered the doctor's office and began arguing with the physician, expressing grievances related to his treatment. In a sudden escalation, he drew a knife and attacked the doctor multiple times, striking him in the abdomen and heart. The attack was swift and brutal, leaving the medical staff and patients in shock.
According to Piotr Szpiech, spokesman for the Municipal Police Headquarters in Krakow, the assailant attempted to flee the scene but was quickly apprehended by hospital security personnel. The police took him into custody, and an investigation into the motives behind the attack is ongoing. Szpiech noted, "Before the attack, the perpetrator had been expressing grievances against the doctor and engaged in an argument with him." Details regarding the exact nature of the complaint remain unclear.
Despite immediate medical intervention, the doctor, identified as Tomek Solecki, could not be saved. The hospital's director, Marcin Jędrychowski, confirmed that over 20 medical professionals were involved in efforts to resuscitate him. He stated, "The injuries were so extensive that we could not save our colleague." The operation lasted two hours, but the damage was too severe.
At 12:20 PM, Minister of Health Izabela Leszczyna announced the doctor's death, expressing her profound sadness and anger over the incident. In a heartfelt message shared on social media, she stated, "There are no words to express my sorrow and anger at the death of the doctor from the University Clinical Hospital in Krakow, who was killed in a knife attack. My deepest condolences to the family and colleagues of the doctor. Aggression against those who carry out the mission of saving our health and lives is barbarism and deserves the highest punishment."
The president of Krakow, Aleksander Miszalski, also expressed his condolences, stating, "I am shocked by the news of the knife attack at the University Hospital in Krakow. Unfortunately, the attacked doctor did not survive. I extend my condolences to the family, friends, colleagues, and the hospital community."
The hospital administration released a statement mourning the loss of their colleague, describing him as one of the best orthopedists specializing in hand surgery. He had been known for handling some of the most complex injuries and was highly regarded among his peers. Jędrychowski noted, "This is an irreplaceable loss. The attack was unexpected, and no one could have anticipated such violence in a place dedicated to saving lives."
Following the incident, the hospital has provided psychological support to its staff, who are understandably shaken by the events. Jędrychowski emphasized that while security measures are important, the hospital cannot implement the same protocols as airports, stating, "If someone has doubts about their treatment, that’s fine, but they should not resolve it in such a way."
Dr. Rafał Depukat, who was present during the emergency response, described the harrowing experience of operating on a colleague. He recounted, "We immediately requested help from our cardiothoracic colleagues. Unfortunately, despite their swift response, the injuries were fatal." The atmosphere in the hospital remains tense as staff members grapple with the tragic loss of a beloved colleague.
This incident has sparked a broader conversation about safety in healthcare settings, particularly regarding the treatment of medical professionals. As the investigation unfolds, many are calling for stricter measures to protect those who dedicate their lives to caring for others.
The community has rallied in support of the victim's family, with many expressing their outrage and sorrow over the senseless violence that claimed the life of a dedicated doctor. As Krakow mourns the loss of Dr. Solecki, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers faced by medical personnel in their line of work.
As the investigation continues, the focus will remain on understanding the circumstances that led to this tragic event and ensuring that such violence does not occur again in the future.
