Search under way for missing girl in Krakow

23 May 2026 Poland Radar 0 Comments

Authorities mount a major operation to find a missing girl in Krakow. Read the description and safety advice before you travel.

One of the largest searches in Lesser Poland this year is under way after a 12-year-old girl disappeared on Thursday. The search for a missing girl in Krakow has drawn hundreds of responders to Las Wolski, near the zoo and Kopiec Kościuszki. Consequently, visitors this weekend should read the description and follow guidance from authorities.

Table of Contents

What happened and where

Officials say 12-year-old Elżbieta Wojtacka left home on Thursday, May 21, to meet peers. However, she never returned and did not contact her family. The Kraków City Police (Komenda Miejska Policji) confirmed the disappearance and leads the operation. The main search area covers Las Wolski. In addition, search teams check paths near the zoo and the Kopiec Kościuszki mound. Teams divide the forest into mapped sectors to cover ground methodically.

Who is searching

Police coordinate the effort with local fire services, the military, and volunteers. Moreover, 115 firefighters from Kraków units and volunteer brigades deploy 22 vehicles. They also operate two drone teams and six search dogs. Meanwhile, soldiers from the 11th Małopolska Territorial Defence Brigade sweep five square kilometres. Therefore, responders work in five mapped sections using topographic maps. Each unit follows explicit search plans to avoid overlap. Also, commanders on site maintain regular briefings to update tactics.

How you can help and contact details

Authorities ask the public to check any photos and messages related to the girl. Consequently, any sighting could be crucial. Please call Komisariat Policji IV in Kraków at 47 835 29 13. In urgent cases, call the emergency number 112. Moreover, share the physical description with friends and drivers. Also, avoid posting personal data that could create false leads. The city police request that people do not enter sealed search zones. However, passerby observations remain valuable.

Search for missing girl in Krakow: public impact

The operation may affect trails and local attractions this weekend. Therefore, expect more police and military vehicles near parking areas. Also, drones may fly above the forest for aerial searches. Consequently, some footpaths may close temporarily for safety. Visitors often travel to Kraków for spring weekends. In addition, many families from Warsaw and other regions plan trips now. Therefore, foreigners should plan alternate routes and give extra time for local transport.

💡 GOOD TO KNOW: Polish emergency services use number 112 for all urgent calls. The police operate local stations called “Komenda”. If you live here long term you may have a PESEL number (national ID), and access healthcare via NFZ (National Health Fund). ZUS handles social security. For visitors, carry your passport and a contact phone. Also, avoid restricted search zones and obey officers on site.

Source: Read original article

📚 Looking for more help settling in Poland? Browse our complete Expat Guides.