Yesterday, a tragic train accident in KMQ village, Kajiado County, resulted in one person dead and 46 injured. The Tata Chemicals train, carrying both passengers and cargo, derailed at a bridge while traveling from Magadi to Kajiado town. The accident has also left the community in shock and sadness.
Eyewitnesses statement
Eyewitnesses said the accident happened in the early afternoon as the train approached a bridge near KMQ village. The derailment caused the train wagon to hang dangerously in the air, making it very difficult to rescue people.
James Letema, one of the first people to arrive at the scene, described the scary experience. “The wagon was hanging in the air, making it hard to rescue passengers.” Letema and other local residents bravely helped in the rescue efforts. They were working hard to free those trapped inside the derailed wagon. Also, their quick actions likely saved more lives.
Residents blamed the accident on several things, including vandalism of the railway line and poor visibility because of heavy rains. They expressed worries about the condition of the train railway. Also called for urgent repairs and better maintenance to prevent such tragic incidents in the future.
Tata Chemicals’ Response
In response to the accident, Tata Chemicals issued a statement from CEO Subodh Srivastav. The statement expressed deep condolences to the family of the deceased and promised support for those injured in the accident. “We are deeply saddened by this tragic train incident and are committed to providing all necessary assistance to the victims and their families during this difficult time,” said Srivastav.
The accident has sparked a larger discussion about train safety in Kenya, with calls for better measures to protect passengers and ensure the safety of the rail network. As investigations into the cause of the derailment continue, the community and the country are looking for answers and hoping for improvements to prevent future tragedies.
