A horrific train accident on the Magadi-Konza railway line in Kajiado County, Kenya, has left one person dead and 59 others injured, 30 of them in critical condition.

The incident, which occurred on Tuesday morning, involved a commuter train operated by Tata Chemicals Magadi Limited.

According to witnesses and police, the train carrying 59 passengers was heading towards Kajiado town from Magadi when it rolled backwards along a steep section of the track.

A loud bang was reportedly heard before passengers erupted in screams.

Kenya Railways confirmed the incident in a statement, expressing condolences to the bereaved family and wishing a speedy recovery to the injured.

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"Kenya Railways has learned of the unfortunate train incident along the Magadi - Konza Railway line, which is privately operated by Tata Chemicals Magadi Limited," Kenya Railways stated.

A team was dispatched to the scene to assist with investigations and offer support.

The injured were initially treated at the Mile 46 dispensary before being transferred to Kajiado Referral Hospital for specialized care.

Dr. Fred Ayani, the hospital superintendent, confirmed receiving 46 casualties, with 20 suffering serious injuries. T

Ten critically injured patients with multiple fractures were further referred to Kenyatta National Hospital.

Local residents believe the accident was caused by a combination of factors, including rampant vandalism of the railway line and poor visibility due to recent heavy rains.

Concerns have been raised about the increasing frequency of such vandalism by scrap metal dealers, who reportedly evade capture by patrolling officers.

The ill-fated train service provided a vital and affordable public transport option for residents in remote villages of Kajiado West Sub-county, offering a Sh70 fare for a journey of approximately 135 kilometres.

This service was established specifically to address the transportation challenges faced by these local communities.

Previously, reaching Kajiado through the Kiserian-Isinya route could cost up to Sh700 and take as long as four hours.

The tragedy highlights the urgent need for improved railway infrastructure security and maintenance in the region.

This incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of prioritizing safety measures to prevent such devastating accidents on crucial public transport routes.