Grenade Launcher Blast Rocks Polish Police HQ
An explosion at the Polish police headquarters in Warsaw was caused by a decommissioned grenade launcher. Police chief Jaroslaw Szymczyk revealed the weapon was a gift from Ukraine.
Gift from Ukraine Turns Deadly
The blast happened on Wednesday as Szymczyk was moving the used grenade launchers, which Ukrainian authorities had confirmed were safe. “The explosion was powerful — it penetrated the floor and damaged the ceiling,” the police chief said. He was hospitalised with minor injuries.
Szymczyk told RMF radio that his team was assured the grenade launchers were “worth no more than scrap metal.” One of the launchers had even been converted into a loudspeaker.
Political Firestorm Over Safety Failures
Former defense minister Tomasz Siemoniak slammed the incident as “indefensible,” demanding heads must roll for endangering lives. He added: “The commander has lost the ability to manage the police.”
Ex-foreign minister Radoslaw Sikorski joked on Twitter: “I thought we were sending grenade launchers to Ukraine, but it turns out we’re importing them.”
Serious Legal Consequences Loom
In Poland, causing an explosion that threatens lives carries a prison sentence of up to five years. Authorities are investigating the incident and weighing potential charges against those involved.
