Following a traffic incident in Lutogniew near Krotoszyn, investigators have classified the event as an accident after a cyclist sustained more serious injuries. The local police spokesperson confirmed the update to the press service, noting that the driver of the car involved was Health Minister Katarzyna Sójka. The update comes as authorities continue to review what happened at the crosswalk shortly after midday on a Saturday.
An accident involving a cyclist
The incident occurred after 1 p.m. in Lutogniew, a small town close to Krotoszyn. The minister was driving a private vehicle when the collision occurred at a pedestrian crossing that intersected a cycle path. Police explained that preliminary findings indicate the cyclist was riding on the cycle path and left that path to cross the pedestrian crossing, where he was struck by a pedestrian in the marked crossing zone. The driver remained at the scene and cooperated with officers as they documented the incident.
According to police statements, the cyclist was riding on the sidewalk when the crosswalk was approached and did not dismount before crossing. This detail was reported by local media sources monitoring the situation as it developed. Authorities stressed that the cyclist’s behavior may have contributed to the incident, though the investigation remains ongoing to determine all factors involved.
Meanwhile, officers conducted a scene inspection and took notes as part of the standard investigative process. Inquiries were also made about the sobriety tests administered at the scene and the minister’s state of sobriety. Police officials indicated that sobriety testing is a routine procedure in such cases, but they provided no further comments on the results at that time.
The event had to be classified as a collision. However, an accident occurs
Initial police communications suggested that the cyclist had minor injuries and was transported to hospital. The situation was subsequently reviewed, and it emerged that the cyclist sustained injuries requiring more than a week of treatment. With new information, the incident was reclassified as an accident rather than a collision, a decision shared by the police spokesperson after hospital evaluations clarified the extent of the injuries. The official clarification emphasizes that the incident is treated with the seriousness it warrants, and investigators will continue to examine all contributing factors to provide a complete account of the sequence of events.
Authorities emphasized that the evolving nature of such assessments is normal as more details become available from medical evaluations and on-site examinations. The police continue to work with hospital staff to understand the full trajectory of the cyclist’s injuries and to determine whether any safety measures at the crossing need enhancement to prevent future occurrences.