Dozens of anti-tank mines were accidentally delivered to an IKEA Industry warehouse instead of their intended military destination. The misplaced munitions were part of a cargo of 240 mines being transported by rail from Hajnowka, near Poland’s border with Belarus, to an ammunition depot in the western village of Mosty.

Discovery at IKEA

The mix-up came to light only after IKEA staff in Orla contacted authorities, asking when the military planned to collect their mines. The incident, which occurred between July 4 and 7, remained unresolved for over a week before the munitions were retrieved.

Malgorzata Dobies-Turulska, CEO of IKEA Industry Poland, confirmed the prompt response of the military police upon notification. “The box was collected by the military police on the same day. Cooperation with the military police went very smoothly,” she stated.

Investigations and Repercussions

Poland’s Ministry of Defence announced that four soldiers are under investigation for neglect of duty in relation to the misplaced mines. Defence Minister Wladyslaw Kosiniak-Kamysz emphasized the seriousness of the situation, reassuring the public that immediate corrective measures were implemented.

“Civilian supervision played a key role in identifying and resolving this issue,” he said, adding that inspections, enhanced training, and stricter transportation protocols are being prioritized to prevent similar incidents in the future.

Public Safety Concerns

While the mines were safely retrieved without incident, the mishap has raised concerns about the handling and transport of military-grade munitions in Poland. The situation highlights the need for tighter security measures, particularly in light of the sensitive nature of Poland’s eastern border with Belarus.

Authorities are now working to rebuild trust and ensure the safe transportation of military equipment going forward.