One killed, scores injured after train derails in Kajiado

Passenger train derails in Kajiado leaving one dead, scores injured. [Peterson Githaiga, Standard]

One person died while scores were injured after a passenger train derailed in Kajiado.

During the accident, that occurred at Nduka Moja Bridge, in Loodokilani ward Tuesday, 66 passengers were admitted to the Kajiado County Referral Hospital.

Ten passengers were taken to the facility in critical condition and were referred to hospitals in Nairobi for further treatment.

Kajiado police officers led by County Commander Joel Langat mobilized more than five ambulances to rescue the injured.

Dr Fred Ayani, in-charge of the hospital, said that those admitted had head and chest injuries while others had legs and hands fractures.

"We have so far received more than 60 patients, those who are in critical condition have been referred to other City hospitals such as Nairobi Hospital and Nairobi West Hospital," said Ayani.

The train was ferrying more than 100 passengers from Magadi to Kajiado town when the accident occurred.

Addressing journalists outside the hospital, Kajiado county Deputy Governor Martin Moshisho blamed the accident on negligence.

Moshisho accused Tata Chemicals Ltd, that manages the railway line for neglecting the section of the line, and operating it without proper maintenance.

"I am told a few weeks ago, another wagon was reported to have derailed a few meters from here. As a county government we are requesting the company management to move with speed and renovate the railway line," said Moshisho.

Tata Chemicals Managing Director Subodh Srivastav cited vandalism of the rail line as possible cause of the incident.

"While the incident is under investigation, we note the persistent and extensive vandalism of the rail line as a possible cause of the incident," Srivastav said.

''We regret the unfortunate incident on the service that has been safely operated by the company as a community service to the remote area for over 100 years," Srivastav said.

He urged Kajiado residents to be patient as investigations into the cause of the accident get underway.

Moses Ole Natim, a passenger, narrated to The Standard how he cheated death during.

He said he was seated in one of the coaches when the accident occurred.

"I had an idea of jumping after a saw the driver jumping out of the wagon, but I changed my mind, in a few seconds I heard a loud bang and found myself on the ground," said Natim.