Poznań’s holidays weren’t all lights and cheer. From crashes and fires to armed robberies, the city faced chaos, danger, and drama. Here’s a countdown of the 10 wildest stories that shook Poznań this Christmas and New Year’s.
10. Holiday Roads Turn Deadly: Serious Accidents Spike Around Poznań
Traffic chaos turned grim this season as speeding, icy roads, and alcohol combined into deadly conditions on Poznań’s outskirts. Police reported multiple serious accidents, some resulting in injuries and emergency helicopter dispatches. Holiday travel turned into a game of survival for commuters.
9. Warehouse Fire Near Poznań Sends Smoke Over the City
A major warehouse fire broke out during the holiday period, sending thick black smoke across Poznań. Streets were secured, residents evacuated, and firefighters battled the blaze for hours. Fortunately, no lives were lost, but the fire’s scale and timing — during a city still celebrating Christmas — made it unforgettable.
8. Carbon Monoxide Scare Forces Families Out of Their Homes
During the freezing holiday week, several Poznań apartments triggered carbon monoxide alarms, forcing families to evacuate. Emergency crews rushed in as gas levels spiked due to faulty heating systems, highlighting the silent dangers of winter living.
7. Man Found Unconscious After NYE Party — Police Launch Investigation
The early hours of January 1 turned ominous in central Poznań when a man was found unconscious after celebrating New Year’s. Police are investigating whether alcohol, substances, or assault were involved. The incident served as a sobering reminder of how quickly celebrations can turn dangerous.
6. Fireworks Turn Aggressive: Street Fights and Police Interventions on NYE
New Year’s Eve celebrations didn’t stay pretty. Police confirmed multiple street fights, reckless fireworks, and aggressive behavior across the city. Crowds scattered, officers intervened, and social media exploded with footage of near-misses. The night proved that holiday cheer can flip to chaos in seconds.
5. Christmas Day Crash on Głogowska — Car Falls From Viaduct, Helicopter Rescue
On December 25, a driver plunged off a viaduct near Głogowska Street, leaving emergency crews scrambling. A rescue helicopter airlifted the injured driver to hospital. Holiday traffic became a dangerous mix of winter roads, festive distraction, and near-fatal accidents.
4. Hate Crime on Poznań Tram: Ukrainian Couple Attacked
In one of the city’s most shocking moments, a Ukrainian couple was assaulted on a tram simply for speaking their language. Police detained two suspects. Videos of the attack circulated online, sparking outrage and reminding residents that holiday tolerance is sometimes just a facade.
3. New Year’s Eve Stabbing Near Poznań — 50-Year-Old Man Dead
Celebrations turned deadly when a stabbing on NYE claimed the life of a 50-year-old man near Poznań. Multiple intoxicated suspects were detained, and the violent escalation of what should have been a festive night shocked the city.
2. New Year’s Day Tragedy: Woman Killed by Drunk Driver
The city mourned on January 1 after a 37-year-old woman was hit and killed by a drunk driver just steps from her home. The driver was intoxicated, and the incident reignited outrage over reckless holiday driving. Friends and neighbors described the scene as devastatingly preventable, making it one of the season’s darkest stories.
1. Armed Robbery in Central Poznań: Staff Held at Gunpoint During Holidays
The most shocking incident of the season occurred just after Christmas, when a man armed with a gun stormed a convenience store in central Poznań. Staff and customers were frozen in fear, ducking behind shelves while the robber demanded cash. Police apprehended the suspect nearby, but the event left the neighborhood terrified and on edge, proving danger can strike even during supposedly joyful holidays.
