At least eight people were killed and scores injured on Thursday evening in an accident involving a cargo train and a Kenya Pipeline Company (KPC) bus at the Morendat junction in Naivasha, Nakuru County.
"We have lost eight people, including the driver of the KPC bus in the accident. Scores of others who were injured are receiving treatment at the Naivasha sub-County hospital and other health facilities in Naivasha, where they were rushed after the Thursday evening accident," revealed Naivasha Police Commander Anthony Keter.
"The police are working closely with Kenya Pipeline to ensure those who need specialised treatment are evacuated to Nairobi immediately," added the police boss.
A nurse at the Naivasha sub-County hospital told the Nation that most of those rushed there for treatment suffered fractures and bruises.
"We have received more than 10 victims, a majority of whom are in a stable condition. The majority suffered fractures and others bruises during the crash," revealed the health worker.
A wreckage of the Kenya Pipeline Company bus after the train accident.
Photo credit: Mercy Koskei | Nation Media Group
Witnesses say that the accident occurred when the bus driver ferrying the KPC staff attempted to cross the railway line in front of the oncoming train.
"The KPC bus was being driven across the railway line when it unfortunately collided with the train. The train driver attempted to brake, but the distance was too short to stop in time and avoid the crash," said John Kamau a resident of Morendat who witnessed the crash.
By Thursday evening, rescue efforts were ongoing, with police officers deployed to the scene to manage the situation, which caused a major traffic snarl-up along the route.
Meanwhile, the fuel utility firm confirmed its staff were involved in the accident. They, however, did not give the number of fatalities or those injured.
"With a heavy heart, we want to confirm that our staff were involved in an accident on Thursday evening in Naivasha. At the time of the accident, the bus was carrying staff from MTCC who had been at work in the morning shift and were heading home," said the statement by KPC Managing Director Joe Sang.
"We have mobilised our safety and emergency response teams and all the injured staff have been evacuated to hospitals within Naivasha for medical attention. We are working closely with the medical teams and local authorities to ensure the injured receive the best possible care and to facilitate airlifts to Nairobi for the critically injured. Our thoughts and prayers are with our colleagues and their families," further reads the statement.
The Kenya Railways also released a statement saying it has mobilised an immediate response team to work with the police in evacuating the injured to hospital.
"We wish to extend our sincere condolences to the bereaved and wish a quick recovery to the injured," said the managing director in a statement.
"Motorists and the general public are advised to take caution when crossing the railway line at level crossings to avoid collision with approaching trains."
