NAIVASHA, Kenya (BN24) — At least eight people were killed and several others critically injured Thursday when a commuter bus belonging to the Kenya Pipeline Company (KPC) was struck by a train near the town of Naivasha, in a devastating collision that left emergency responders scrambling to pull victims from the mangled wreckage.
The incident occurred shortly after 5 p.m. near Morendat Farm, just off the busy Nairobi-Nakuru highway, when the company bus attempted to cross a railway line amid heavy rains and poor visibility. Police said the driver failed to properly assess the oncoming train and drove into its path. The train reportedly dragged the bus for more than 200 meters after impact.
Naivasha sub-county police commander Antony Keter confirmed that eight people died at the scene, all believed to be KPC staff returning home after their morning shift at a training facility nearby. Keter said dozens of others sustained injuries and were rushed to Naivasha sub-county hospital, with several in critical condition.
Witnesses described a chaotic scene as the force of the impact tore apart the bus, trapping passengers inside. “It was raining heavily, visibility was very low,” said Simon Kimani, who was near the crossing when the crash happened. “The bus seemed to cross without caution, and then we heard the crash and screaming.”
Rescue teams from the Kenya Red Cross and local police responded immediately, using cutting tools and equipment to extract victims from the twisted wreck. Red Cross workers confirmed that four bodies had initially been recovered before the toll later rose to eight.
The Kenya Pipeline Company issued a statement expressing its condolences and confirming that the bus was transporting staff from a training session. “All injured staff have been evacuated to hospitals within Naivasha for medical attention,” the company said. It added that airlifts would be arranged for those in critical condition.
The collision brought traffic along both the Naivasha-Kasarani road and the Naivasha-Nakuru railway line to a halt as authorities secured the area.
Although Kenya’s rail crossings often lack modern warning systems, initial reports suggest human error played a major role in the crash. Police say a full investigation is underway to determine whether mechanical failure or negligence contributed to the tragedy.
The fatal crash is the latest in a string of transportation disasters in Kenya that have raised fresh concerns over infrastructure safety and driver awareness.
