Explosion of the tank-trap in Warsaw

The so-called explosion of the tank-trap on Kiliński Street in Warsaw occurred on 13 August 1944, during the Warsaw Uprising, at Kiliński Street in the Old Town. The blast was caused by a captured German special vehicle, the Borgward IV, which the insurgents had seized. More than 300 Polish insurgents and civilians, who had gathered to admire the captured vehicle, were killed in the explosion. In reality, the vehicle was not a "tank-trap" but a tracked demolition vehicle intended to destroy barricades on Podwale Street. The explosion was essentially a tragic accident. However, some witnesses suggested that the Germans may have deliberately allowed the insurgents to bring the dangerous vehicle deeper into the Old Town.