A terrifying collision between a passenger train and a white van was caught on camera at a railway crossing in Wola Filipowska, a quiet village in southern Poland.
The shocking video, released by Małopolska Police on Wednesday, August 6, shows the van approaching the level crossing just as the safety barriers begin to lower. Instead of stopping in time, the driver appears to become trapped between the gates.
Panic sets in as the van reverses slightly, seemingly trying to escape — but then, in a tragic split-second decision, the driver moves forward again, directly onto the tracks.
Within seconds, a fast-moving train barrels into view, slamming into the side of the van with enormous force. The impact sends debris flying as the train pushes the van down the tracks, before continuing on its route.
Police confirmed that the driver miraculously survived the collision but suffered serious injuries and was taken to the hospital. Investigators believe the driver may have ignored warning lights and signals, leading to the catastrophic accident.
Authorities are using the footage as a public safety reminder, urging drivers to respect warning barriers and to never attempt to cross when gates are closing.
A police spokesperson said:
“This accident could have easily ended in multiple fatalities. The footage is a clear example of why crossing gates must never be ignored.”
The video, which quickly went viral across social media, has left viewers stunned by both the violence of the impact and the driver’s unlikely survival.