Kenya Railways Train Crashes Into Boda Boda Rider at Pipeline

The new Nairobi commuter train.
The new Nairobi commuter train.
File

A boda boda rider was on Tuesday, January 12, hit by the Nairobi commuter Train as it was approaching the Pipeline Stage.

According to an eyewitness who spoke to Kenyans.co.ke, the rider was signalled by the Kenya Railways workers to wait for the train to pass.

He, however, proceeded to cross only for the bike to get stuck on the track as the train approached.

That is when the train rammed into him plunging him to the side. The bike was extensively damaged in the crash.

Wreckage from the accident on January 12, 2021.
Wreckage from the accident on January 12, 2021.
Twitter

"At that time the train was on its way to the station when the rider rejected calls to wait for the train to pass. It hit him and he lost his life at the scene," A resident, Abiola Nyauncho explained.

Police officers were deployed to the scene of the incident as the train has proceeded with its journey to the Central Business District (CBD).

To enhance security and safety along the busy station, Kenya Railways has fenced off the track with regular monitoring of the human traffic in the area.

Accidents involving trains though rare have occurred in Nairobi. In November 2020, 0ne person died when a commuter train rammed into a lorry at Donholm area.

The lorry was crossing the railway line when the train rammed into it.

Wreckage from the scene of the incident showed a completely dismantled lorry with its parts scattered on both sides of the railway track while the train only got a slight dent.

Wreckage from the scene of incident on Tuesday, November 3
Wreckage from the scene of incident on Tuesday, November 3
Twitter

The Diesel Multiple Units (DMUs) trains have more advanced features as compared to their older counterparts having increased speed of trains 50kph from 20kph.

While unveiling the trains in 2020, Kenya Railways noted that the braking system included a hydro-dynamic braking system which is faster and gives a smooth braking experience.

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