Kibwezi Train Accident: Tonnes of Oil Spilled as Cargo Train Overturns
A major spill of unrefined oil occurred Tuesday afternoon when a cargo train en route from Mombasa to Nairobi derailed at Kibwezi, Makueni County. The accident, which happened shortly after noon, saw the train veer off the rails, with two wagons tipping over and spilling oil onto the ground.
Upon hearing about the derailment, local residents rushed to the scene armed with jerricans in an attempt to siphon the spilled oil. However, police officers were quick to respond, sealing off the area to prevent contamination and interference with the ongoing operations. Fortunately, no injuries or casualties were reported.
Footage from the scene, captured by Kenyans.co.ke, shows the overturned wagons lying precariously on one side while other sections of the train remained intact. Officers could be seen working to secure the area and make efforts to recover the derailed wagons. Residents were kept at a distance, observing the incident unfold as the authorities moved in to restore order.
This is not the first time Kenya has witnessed such an incident. In August 2020, a similar accident occurred in Mombasa, where a train carrying 250,000 liters of Super Petrol derailed, causing massive disruptions. Authorities at the time closed off key routes and the Makupa Causeway, preventing further risks of contamination or accidents.
Investigations into the cause of the derailment in Kibwezi are ongoing as officials work to clear the wreckage and assess the extent of the spill.
ALSO READ;Six Matatu Imposters Arrested for Passenger Robbery and Kidnapping
Kibwezi Train Accident: Tonnes of Oil Spilled as Cargo Train Overturns
