Train Rams Lorry Killing Five And Injuring Several In Ruiru
A train rammed into a lorry crossing the railway tracks in Ruiru, Kiambu county on Monday, June 6, killing five people and injuring several others.
Lydia Kadima 
According to police, the vehicle conveying laborers was attempting to cross the tracks but misjudged the speed and distance of the approaching train.
The train hit the lorry, leading to the awful accident, images taken from the scene show a complete wreck of the lorry’s driver cabin and the rest of its body.
According to Kiambu County Police Commander Muchangi Kioi, the five died on the spot, while 12 others are undergoing medical attention.
The victims allegedly sought to flee the accident by jumping out of the moving vehicle, but were crushed to death, while 12 others sustained critical injuries and are being treated at various Kiambu County hospitals.
“We will continue to monitor the situation of those still receiving treatment at various hospitals but we want to warn the public to approach railways crossing areas with caution. It's better to stop and wait for the train to pass instead of having such incidents," the police commander said.
According to Ruiru MP Simon King'ara who visited the scene, the contractor expanding the Eastern Bypass of failed to put in place serious safety measures below the rail pass.
"The contractor mandated with expansion of this bypass should carry the blame for ignoring to put in place safety measures including erection of warning signs to caution both on-foot passengers and moving objects," the lawmaker said.
"We sympathize with the families who have lost loved ones in the incident and are praying for those receiving treatment in hospitals. It's such a sad evening.”
Kenya Railways confirmed the accident in a statement, stating those who were injured were transferred to the hospital.
"This evening while on its return from Ruiru, one of our freight trains carrying empty saddles hit a lorry which got stuck while trying to cross the rail track at an illegal level crossing. We wish the injured a quick recovery and sincerely apologize for the inconvenience caused. We further urge members of the public to always use designated Railway Level Crossings," they stated.
