Fire on Nairobi bound train contained, Kenya Railways says

Fire fighters putting out the fire on the train plying the Nanyuki-Nairobi route. [File, Standard]

A cargo train ferrying empty petrol tanks from Nanyuki to Nairobi broke down on Sunday, June 6, morning after its engine cabin caught fire.

There were no casualties reported as the situation was contained by fire fighters from Murang’a county who were swift in containing the early morning incident.

In response, Kenya Railways Corporation said that the fire that broke out abruptly had been caused by a slight electric fault in the locomotive engine.

“Our engineers arrived at the area promptly and rectified the problem and service is expected to resume once a full inspection is completed,” Kenya Railways management said in a tweet on Sunday afternoon.

This is the second time a train plying the Nairobi-Nanyuki route has experienced malfunctions since it was revived last year.

Fire fighters and residents check the source of the fire after putting it out. [File, Standard]

In December 2020, one of two passenger trains from Nanyuki to Nairobi temporarily stalled on at Ruthagati with more than 1,500 passengers on board.

 “The crew noticed a mechanical issue with the train that is why they stopped to address it. However, they resumed their journey without more hitches," he said.

The Nanyuki-Thika trains stop at Inter-terminus in Murang’a, Makuyu, Maragua, Sagana, Karatina, Kiganjo, Chaka, Naromoru and Nanyuki stations and charge low fares of between Sh50 and Sh100.

Many locals have opted for railway services which have been revived by President Uhuru’s regime, leading to Kenya Railways increasing the number of trains commuting the Nairobi - Nanyuki route.