Train Bound For Kisumu Derails, Blocks Traffic Along Major Road [PHOTOS]

UPDATE 12.41 pm: Kenya Railways has said that the train accident that occurred along its Nakuru-Kisumu railway line was caused by poor drainage as well as ongoing road constructions.

In a statement, it explained that the heavy rainfall that was witnessed at the Lakeside city on the day before led to the accumulation of waste at the railway intersection.

"Our locomotive derailed due to heavy siltation at the point the Kakamega-Kisumu road intersects the railway line. 

"This siltation was as a result of the accumulation of waste due to poor drainage and dumping from a nearby road construction site which was washed off by heavy rains that occurred last night, and then settled into the road-railway line intersection," the corporation stated, adding that no one was injured in the early Saturday morning accident.

Kenya Railways added that it is working closely with Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) to clear the Kisumu-Kakamega highway and bring the situation back to normalcy.

A Kenya Railways train that was headed towards Kisumu Railway Station derailed on Saturday, September 24.

The accident reportedly occurred a few kilometres to the station at Mamboleo flyover with its locomotive coming off the rails, according to photos seen by Viral Tea.

Passengers were forced to alight from the train after it stalled following the accident. 

Scene after a train headed for Kisumu derailed on September 24, 2022. /VIRALTEAKE 

In addition, the derailment led to a traffic snarl-up along Kisumu-Kakamega Road with motorists forced to use alternative routes as the train blocked the road across.

Witnesses disclosed that they heard a bang which caught them unawares and upon probing, realised that it was the train.

No casualties were reported at the time of publication. Kenya Railways is yet to issue a statement on the accident.

Kenya Railways had on December 21, 2021 issued a statement after a Kisumu bound train stalled for close to four hours around Tamu area in Muhoroni in almost similar circumstances, which left hundreds of passengers stranded.

The corporation had apologised for the delay after the incident which was reported to have taken place at around 1700 hours, explaining that the train had stalled because of the heavy rains that had been experienced in the area.

"We wish to inform the public that the Kisumu bound train encountered a slight hitch occasioned by the heavy rains that earlier pounded the Muhoroni area.

"The issue has since been sorted out and the train is already on the way to Kisumu. We sincerely apologise to our customers for the inconvenience caused as a result," the corporation had stated then.

Consequently, the train which was meant to arrive in Kisumu a few minutes after 1800 hours finally arrived at the Kisumu station at 2238 hours. Muhoroni is 62.6 Kilometers away from the lakeside city.

Following their statement, the corporation added that they would work to resolve future issues revealing that they would roll out services for the Kisumu- Butere route in due course.

A Kenya Railways train at Kisumu Railway Station. /KENYA RAILWAYS