Chill falls over Poland

Chill falls over Poland

On my way to Warsaw after the catastrophic plane crash which killed the president, the head of the central bank, the army chief of staff, many MPs and senior government figures.

One colleague in Warsaw tells me "almost an entire generation of the political establishment has been wiped out".

People at Heathrow see our camera and one person asks if we're heading to Poland. I tell him yes and he crosses himself.

"It is awful, truly awful."

Perhaps it's my imagination but even though the flight is very quiet, more people than normal seem to be paying attention to the safety brief.

Warsaw airport is normally a lively, busy place. Tonight even though there are many people here, it is noticeably quiet. A loud child is quickly shushed to silence.

The drive in from the airport is quick. The streets are very quiet for a Saturday. Many buildings are flying the Polish flag, draped with a black ribbon.

In front of the presidential palace, thousands of people have gathered. A huge silence hangs over the gathering. Carpets of candles have formed.

The TV camera lights up many faces. One young woman has obviously been crying. Her mother hugs her close and wipes the tears.

From somewhere beyond the crowd, there's a sad song playing. People join in, but even the singing is subdued.

"It is a traditional song," a man tells me. "It is about loss and pain. We feel this tonight."

And there are small children walking with fathers, wrapped up against the cold. Too young to know the significance of this day, but it's one they'll recall and remember.

One young man tells me: "The government delegation were on their way to mark the massacre of so many Poles, 70 years ago at the hands of the Soviets. And now we have lost our top people again. It is so bad it happened there and now."

It is bad it happened al all.

By 11pm, with a sharp wind blowing through the street, a few people have wandered off, some talking quietly, others in silence. And one woman shivered deeply.

Poland feels a colder place tonight.