A freight train engine was completely destroyed by fire after part of a cargo train derailed between Masimba and Kivati in Makueni County on Wednesday evening.
According to police, the incident occurred at about 5:40 p.m. when the train engine was transporting 22 wagons loaded with soda ash from Magadi to Mombasa.
Upon reaching the section, the train reportedly lost control, causing several wagons to derail and about half of them to capsize.
The locomotive subsequently caught fire, allegedly after sparks ignited beneath the train. The driver and his assistant, with the help of members of the public, attempted to extinguish the blaze, but their efforts were unsuccessful.
To prevent the fire from spreading further, the second wagon was detached from the burning locomotive. Despite the efforts, the engine was completely engulfed and destroyed by the fire.
Police officers responded to the scene. No injuries were reported during the incident.
Firefighting efforts continued as authorities began investigations to establish the cause of the derailment and the subsequent fire.
