Tragedy struck at the Nowowiejski Hospital in Warsaw on April 12, 2025, when a spontaneous gathering of psychiatric patients turned deadly. The night of partying, which involved five individuals consuming psychoactive substances, ended with the death of 40-year-old Maciej B., the son of a controversial former politician and presidential candidate.
According to reports, the event began late at night when several patients organized an informal get-together. Witnesses indicated that before midnight, Maciej B. exhibited severe symptoms, losing consciousness and suffering cardiac arrest. Despite extensive resuscitation efforts, he could not be revived.
Shortly after the incident, 22-year-old Eryk B., another participant, reported symptoms of poisoning and was transported to the hospital. He regained consciousness but later collapsed at the police station after being taken into custody. Other patients involved in the gathering, including a woman named Weronika, were also treated for severe intoxication but were reported to be in stable condition.
The shocking events have prompted an investigation by the Warsaw District Prosecutor's Office. Two individuals, Eryk B. and 39-year-old Natalia G.-J., have been arrested and face charges of drug possession and distribution, which could lead to sentences of up to 13 years in prison.
Maciej B., the deceased, was known to have struggled with significant health issues for some time, and his admission to the psychiatric facility was reportedly a decision made by his father. His father had previously served as a member of the Polish Parliament from 1991 to 1993 and was a candidate for the presidency in 1995 and 2005, known for his controversial views.
The hospital’s director, Cezary Kostrzewa, expressed surprise at the incident, stating that the staff was unaware of the drug use among patients. He emphasized that the facility is not a closed institution, meaning that visitors are not routinely searched, which raises questions about how the substances were brought into the hospital.
"Our staff cannot search visitors, as this is not a closed facility like those for incarcerated individuals. We provide care for adults aged 18 and older, and patients have various friends who visit them," Kostrzewa explained. He further noted that the hospital is monitored, but staff cannot conduct searches unless there is a specific reason to suspect wrongdoing.
The tragic incident has shocked not only the family of the deceased but also the entire hospital staff, who were reportedly unaware of any illicit activities taking place on their ward. The investigation is ongoing, with authorities working to determine the exact circumstances surrounding the gathering and the substances involved.
As the community processes this tragedy, the implications of drug use within such facilities are being scrutinized. The case highlights the need for better oversight and security in psychiatric hospitals, where vulnerable individuals are supposed to receive care and support.
Maciej B.'s death serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers that can arise even in places meant to provide safety and healing. The investigation will not only seek to hold accountable those directly involved in the drug use but may also extend to the hospital's policies and procedures regarding patient safety.
In the wake of this incident, the Polish public is left grappling with questions about mental health treatment and the responsibilities of healthcare facilities to protect their patients. As the story unfolds, more details are expected to emerge, shedding light on the tragic events that transpired that fateful night.
The situation has garnered significant media attention, with many calling for reforms in how psychiatric facilities manage patient interactions and the monitoring of substance use. As the investigation proceeds, the families affected and the broader community await answers and justice.
