A devastating accident late Thursday night on Warsaw’s Wisłostrada has claimed the lives of a 45-year-old father and his 12-year-old son, prompting an outpouring of grief from local officials and the community.

According to police reports, the fatal incident occurred around 11:15 p.m. on Wybrzeże Gdyńskie Street. The collision involved two passenger cars and a motorcycle. The victims, a father and son riding the motorcycle, were critically injured and rushed to the hospital. Despite the efforts of paramedics and medical personnel, both succumbed to their injuries—first the father, followed by his son several hours later.

Warsaw Mayor Rafał Trzaskowski addressed the tragedy in a statement posted Friday on the X platform (formerly Twitter).

“Tragic accident on Wisłostrada. Despite the efforts of paramedics and doctors, it was not possible to save the life of the father and teenage son,” Trzaskowski wrote.
“It is difficult to imagine what their family and loved ones are going through. I offer my sincerest condolences. My thoughts are with you.”

The accident was reportedly caused when the driver of an Opel Vectra veered into oncoming traffic, striking the motorcycle and a passenger Audi head-on. The driver and passenger of the Opel fled the scene on foot immediately after the crash.

Warsaw police confirmed on Friday morning that both suspects had been apprehended.

“Thanks to the huge commitment of all available forces and resources, Warsaw police officers this morning detained two people who were driving an Opel last night. They are two men, Polish citizens aged 24 and 38,” said the Capital Police Headquarters (KSP). “Activities are in progress.”

Mayor Trzaskowski also assured the public that authorities are fully investigating the circumstances surrounding the crash.

The incident has sparked renewed calls for stricter traffic enforcement and harsher penalties for drivers who flee the scene of serious accidents.