A serious accident involving a city bus occurred on April 14, 2025, at approximately 14:00 in Nowa Huta, Krakow, resulting in injuries to 19 people. The incident took place at the intersection of al. Róż and ul. Rydza-Śmigłego when a car reportedly forced the right of way, causing the bus to crash into a tree.
According to preliminary reports from the Provincial Headquarters of the State Fire Service in Krakow, 15 individuals were initially reported injured. However, this number was later updated to 19, as confirmed by junior captain Hubert Ciepły, the spokesperson for the Małopolska State Fire Service. Of those injured, four were classified as requiring immediate assistance, four needed urgent assistance, and 11 had non-life-threatening injuries.
Emergency services responded promptly, with seven ambulance teams, two helicopters from the Air Rescue, police, and approximately 40 firefighters at the scene. Ciepły noted that a triage procedure was performed to prioritize medical care for the injured, emphasizing the seriousness of the situation.
The city bus involved in the accident belonged to the company Mobilis. Eyewitness accounts described the bus as having sustained significant damage, and images from the scene depicted a chaotic situation with emergency personnel working diligently to assist the victims.
As the emergency crews worked, the road at the intersection remained completely blocked, leading to significant traffic disruptions. The Krakow Public Transport Company (MPK S.A.) announced that bus lines 139 and 160 would be diverted through ul. Struga and Żeromskiego due to the accident.
This intersection has long been known as one of the most dangerous in Nowa Huta. Local authorities have been aware of the risks, and just weeks prior to the accident, road workers had installed dividing islands at the entrances of ul. Rydza-Śmigłego to improve safety. Despite these efforts, the area remains a hotspot for traffic incidents.
Reports indicate that the car that caused the accident had forced its way through the intersection, leading to the collision with the bus. The police are currently investigating the circumstances surrounding the crash and have secured the area to gather evidence.
In the aftermath of the accident, local residents expressed their concerns about the ongoing safety issues at the intersection. Many have witnessed previous accidents and collisions, leading to calls for more significant safety measures.
As this story develops, authorities will continue to provide updates on the condition of the injured and the results of the investigation into the accident. The community remains hopeful for swift recovery for those affected and is advocating for improved safety measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.
The accident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of road safety and the need for ongoing vigilance in high-risk areas. With the community rallying for change, it is clear that the residents of Nowa Huta are eager to see improvements that will enhance safety for all road users.
