Kenya Railways has issued a clarification on the ownership of a train that was involved in a fatal accident along the Magadi-Konza Railway line on Tuesday, July 9, 2024.
Kenya Railways in a statement issued via their official social media accounts on Tuesday, July 9, 2024, said the train in the accident that claimed one life, is operated privately by Tata Chemicals Magadi Limited.
“Kenya Railways has learned of the unfortunate train incident along the Magadi-Konza Railway line, which is privately operated by Tata Chemicals Magadi Limited,” the statement reads in part.
Kenya Railways team dispatched
The Kenya Railways management, however, noted that it had dispatched a team to the scene of the accident to gather more details, and offer support where possible.
The state corporation also condoled with the family of the deceased, and wished a quick recovery to all those injured in the incident.
“Kenya Railways management is in contact with the company and has dispatched a team to the site to gather more details of the incident and offer support. The Corporation condoles with the bereaved family and wishes a quick recovery to the injured passengers,” Kenya Railways said in the statement.
ACCIDENT ALONG THE MAGADI-KONZA RAILWAY LINE OPERATED BY TATA CHEMICALS MAGADI LTD.
Kenya Railways has learned of the unfortunate train incident along the Magadi – Konza Railway line, which is privately operated by Tata Chemicals Magadi Limited.— Kenya Railways (@KenyaRailways_) July 9, 2024
One person died and 46 others sustained injuries after the commuter train was involved in an accident at KMQ, Kajiado County on Tuesday, July 9, 2024.
The Magadi-Kajiado commuter train rolled backwards along a steep stretch, leaving its occupants nursing injuries, with one reported dead on the spot.
The train was headed towards Kajiado town from Magadi.
According to eyewitnesses, they heard a loud bang before passengers burst into screams asking for help.
“It is unfortunate that we have lost one of us to this accident. We are saddened that others have sustained serious and minor injuries. It is a sad day for us,” Joel Munke, an eyewitness, lamented.
Railway line vandalism
The residents blamed the accident on rampant vandalism of the railway line and poor visibility occasioned by heavy rains that pounded the area.
Residents say the railway line has recently been prone to vandalism by rogue scrap metal dealers who play cat-and-mouse games with check unit officers who manage the railway line.
The commuter train is the only available public means of transport in the area and charges Ksh70 for a distance of approximately 135 Kilometres.