A tragic fire in Pszów, a town in the Śląskie Voivodeship, claimed the lives of five individuals on April 13, 2025. The blaze broke out around 6:35 PM in a three-story building that was operating as a workers' hostel, leading to a swift and devastating emergency response.
According to Jacek Dobrzyński, the spokesman for the Minister of Internal Affairs and Administration, the fire quickly spread throughout the entire structure. "In the tragic fire at the hostel in Pszów, five people died. The fire has been brought under control. About 120 firefighters participated in the operation using 34 fire engines," Dobrzyński reported after 9 PM.
During the initial response, firefighters evacuated a total of 12 people from the building, which was not formally registered as a hotel. Among those evacuated were seven men and five women, with 10 individuals of Polish nationality and two from Ukraine. One of the evacuees, a district police officer, suffered from symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning and was transported to the hospital, though his condition is stable.
The Śląskie Voivode, Marek Wójcik, addressed the media shortly after 11 PM, confirming that five bodies had been located within the building. "Three bodies were found on the first floor, and two in the attic. The fire developed very dynamically, and it is likely that the five victims were unable to evacuate in time," Wójcik explained.
Eyewitness accounts indicated that the fire spread rapidly, prompting firefighters to conduct simultaneous search and rescue operations. Initial reports suggested that eight people had been evacuated, but as the situation unfolded, it became clear that more individuals were still inside.
As the emergency response continued, Wójcik emphasized the need for a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the fire. "The character of the activity conducted by the building's owner will be clarified during the investigation," he stated, highlighting the ongoing inquiries into why the building was not registered as a hotel.
Minister of Internal Affairs Tomasz Siemoniak also commented on the situation, stating, "I am receiving ongoing reports about the tragic fire in Pszów from the Śląskie Voivode Marek Wójcik and the Chief Commander of the State Fire Service, nadbryg. Wojciech Kruczek. We will keep the public informed in the coming hours."
As night fell, the firefighting efforts continued, with the source of the fire identified shortly before 10 PM. The extinguishing operations were expected to last into the early morning hours. Firefighters were not only focused on quelling the flames but also on ensuring that no additional victims remained trapped inside.
By the time the fire was under control, a total of 120 firefighters had been deployed to the scene, utilizing 34 fire engines to manage the crisis effectively. Their quick action was crucial in preventing further loss of life, as the building was filled with occupants at the time of the fire.
In the aftermath of the tragedy, local authorities have pledged to provide psychological support to the evacuees, many of whom are grappling with the trauma of the event. The police reported that among the evacuees, no children were present, and arrangements were made for their accommodation.
The incident has sparked a broader conversation about safety regulations for buildings operating without proper registration. As investigations proceed, officials are expected to scrutinize the safety measures in place at the hostel and the legal implications for the owner.
As more details emerge, the community of Pszów is left to mourn the loss of life and grapple with the impact of this devastating fire. The local government has expressed its condolences to the families of the victims, emphasizing that they will provide all necessary assistance during this difficult time.
With the fire now extinguished, the focus shifts to uncovering the causes behind this tragic event and ensuring that such a disaster does not occur again in the future. The investigation will look into the building's operational status and the circumstances that led to the loss of five lives.
