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Updated 19:33

Deadly DK50 crash kills 11-year-old passenger

A DK50 crash near Zawiszyn killed an 11-year-old girl after an Audi struck an unlit timber trailer.

DK50 crash killed an 11-year-old passenger on Saturday evening, police said. The collision happened around 18:30 on National Road 50 between Zawiszyn and Łochów.

DK50 crash: what happened?

Officials said an Audi hit the rear of a trailer loaded with logs. The trailer rode behind a tractor on the same road. Consequently, the force pushed timber into the car’s passenger compartment. Emergency teams arrived quickly. Firefighters, paramedics and a helicopter from Lotnicze Pogotowie Ratunkowe responded. However, rescuers could not save the child. Authorities confirmed the 11-year-old girl died at the scene.

Police findings and immediate actions

Police noted long skid marks at the scene. Therefore investigators suspect the Audi traveled at high speed. In addition, they will check the trailer’s condition and lighting. Our information suggests the trailer lacked rear lights. Consequently, visibility would have been poor during dusk. The Audi driver, reportedly a young man, did not suffer serious injuries. Meanwhile, officers secured the wreckage and closed the road. Furthermore, the prosecutor now leads the criminal inquiry. The prosecutor will reconstruct the crash and decide whether to press charges.

Why this matters for expats and everyday drivers

This accident shows how mixed traffic on Polish country roads can become deadly. Tractors and tractors with trailers often share narrow national roads. Moreover, trailers must display working rear lights and reflective signs. Polish law requires them. In practice, some farmers use older equipment without proper lighting. Therefore drivers must stay alert, especially at dusk. In addition, long skid marks often point to late braking and high speed. That combination causes severe intrusions when trailers carry rigid loads like logs.

💡 GOOD TO KNOW: In Poland call 112 for any emergency. Police handle road scenes and a prosecutor (prokurator) leads investigations into serious crashes. The country mandates third-party motor insurance (OC) for all cars. Additionally, children under 150 cm must use an appropriate child restraint or booster. A “mandat” is an on-the-spot fine, while ZUS handles social security benefits and NFZ covers some health costs. If you get involved in a crash, notify your insurer and keep the police report (needed for claims).

What comes next for victims and witnesses

Investigators will examine speed, vehicle condition and lighting. Consequently the inquiry may result in criminal charges if they find negligence. Families can pursue civil compensation through insurers. Moreover, if the deceased had a PESEL number, officials may process documents faster. For foreign residents without PESEL, consular help can guide paperwork and next steps. Therefore contact your embassy for assistance if needed.

The road closure between Zawiszyn and Łochów caused delays that evening. Ultimately, the case highlights road safety risks on rural Polish routes. Drivers should reduce speed, watch for slow farm vehicles, and ensure proper child restraints. In addition, owners of trailers must keep lights and reflectors functional.

Source: Read original article

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