KIAMBU, Kenya, Jun, 7 – Five people lost their lives Monday evening after the lorry they were traveling in was hit by an oncoming train along the Ruiru railway crossing in Kiambu county.
According to preliminary reports, the lorry belonging to a Chinese construction company had set its sight on crossing the railway tracks despite an oncoming train.
The situation is said to have shortly after turned tragic after the lorry was temporarily stuck on the train tracks.
“The lorry belongs to the Chinese construction company which tried to cross at the railway crossing, the driver underestimated the speed of the oncoming train which was coming from Thika town heading towards Nairobi,” said Kiambu county commander Muchangi Kioi.
At the train’s intersection passengers aboard the lorry upon realizing what had just happened quickly started jumping out of the lorry. Five however found themselves stuck and they were crushed by the train.
“The lorry had partially crossed the tracks, the back tires were stuck and that is when the driver shouted to his passengers to jump but it was too late,” said Patrick Kaura, a resident.
Meanwhile, 12 people that sustained injuries have been admitted to various hospitals in the county.
“I would like to appeal to members of the public to take care when crossing the railway and also if it is a motorist if they are to see the train about to reach the area, let them not approach, it is unfortunate what happened,” said Kioi.
Residents and motorists have been advised to observe road safety rules before crossing the train tracks.
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