A cargo train has derailed and overturned on the Meter Gauge Railway in Kibwezi, Makueni County. Paul Khaoya, the deputy county commissioner of Kibwezi, reported that law enforcement has secured the area, despite attempts by some individuals to siphon off the petrol that spilled from the train.
The incident occurred on Wednesday evening while the train was traveling from Mombasa to Nairobi. Fortunately, there were no injuries or fatalities reported.
“There was an accident today; a train derailed, causing three cargo cars to overturn in Kibwezi, Makueni County,” Khaoya stated while addressing the media at the scene shortly after the derailment. He noted that the train was transporting highly flammable V-Power petrol at the time of the accident.
Khaoya urged the public to stay away from the site, emphasizing its danger and the police presence in the area. He warned against the behavior of individuals who rush to accident scenes to loot, highlighting that the spilled fuel poses serious risks. “This product is hazardous,” he remarked.
In response to the situation, several youths were apprehended while attempting to siphon petrol from the overturned wagons. Khaoya confirmed that these individuals are currently detained at the Kibwezi police station and will face charges on Thursday.
Firefighters from the Makueni County Government are on site, ready to respond in case of a fire emergency. Khaoya informed that the process of recovering the overturned cargo will begin on Thursday.
