Naivasha, Kenya — August 7, 2025
By Edward Lyomu | Mulembe Times
Six people lost their lives and several others were seriously injured early Thursday morning after a tragic collision between a Kenya Pipeline Company (KPC) staff bus and a cargo train at a level crossing near Morendat junction in Naivasha.
The incident occurred around 6:40 a.m. as the bus was ferrying staff to the Morendat Institute of Oil and Gas. According to eyewitnesses, the bus was attempting to cross the railway line when it was struck by an oncoming train. The impact tore through the rear of the bus, dragging it for several meters along the track. Screams filled the air as some passengers were thrown out while others remained trapped in the wreckage.
Local boda boda riders and residents rushed to the scene before emergency responders arrived. Personnel from the Kenya Red Cross, Naivasha Sub-County Hospital, and KPC’s own emergency team launched a rescue operation. Six bodies were recovered on site, while more than ten injured passengers were rushed to nearby health facilities. Several are said to be in critical condition.
Naivasha Sub-County Police Commander Stephen Kirui confirmed the fatalities and said investigations had been launched to determine what led to the accident. Preliminary observations suggest that the bus driver may have misjudged the speed or distance of the approaching train. There were no automated barriers or flashing warning lights at the railway crossing — only signage.
In a statement, Kenya Pipeline Company expressed deep sorrow over the incident, calling it a heartbreaking loss. The company extended condolences to the affected families and confirmed that it was working closely with emergency responders and government agencies. A crisis response team has been activated to support victims and their families, including providing trauma counselling and medical care.
The accident has reignited concern over the state of railway crossings in the country, particularly those near high-traffic industrial and institutional areas. Local leaders and residents are demanding immediate action. Naivasha MP Jayne Kihara, who visited the scene, described the crash as a preventable tragedy and called for the urgent installation of automated warning systems at all major rail crossings in the area. She blamed the lack of investment in safety infrastructure for the unnecessary loss of lives.
Meanwhile, officials from the Kenya Railways Corporation, the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA), and Kenya Police are jointly investigating the incident. Focus will be placed on assessing whether the crossing met minimum safety requirements and whether any negligence was involved on the part of the driver or the train crew.
As the Morendat community mourns, the nation is reminded once again of the deadly consequences of infrastructure gaps and delayed safety reforms. The six victims — employees simply heading to work — leave behind families who now face unimaginable grief.
More updates are expected as investigations continue.
