A deadly train-bus accident in Naivasha, Nakuru County, has left at least six people dead and several others injured after a Kenya Pipeline Company (KPC) staff bus collided with a cargo freight train at the Morendat Junction railway crossing on the afternoon of Thursday, August 7, 2025.
According to multiple eyewitness reports, the tragic crash occurred when the company bus, which was ferrying KPC staff from their morning shift, attempted to cross the railway line without clear visibility or sufficient caution. Despite the freight train driver’s effort to brake, the momentum was too strong to prevent a catastrophic collision.
HOW THE DEADLY NAIVASHA TRAIN ACCIDENT UNFOLDED
The bus, painted white and visibly marked with KPC insignia, was severely crushed on impact, especially on the passenger cabin side. Eyewitness footage circulating online showed mangled metal, shattered glass, and rescue teams frantically pulling victims from the wreckage.
“The train was hooting non-stop as it approached the crossing, but the bus did not stop,” said James Mbugua, a local mechanic who witnessed the incident. “It looked like the driver miscalculated the train’s speed or assumed he had enough time to cross.”
Authorities say at least six people died on the spot, while others sustained life-threatening injuries. Rescue operations were swiftly launched, with police officers, Red Cross personnel, and medical teams arriving to provide emergency response.
KENYA PIPELINE COMPANY CONFIRMS STAFF CASUALTIES
In a public statement released shortly after the incident, the Kenya Pipeline Company (KPC) confirmed that the bus was carrying staff to the Morendat Training and Conference Centre, located just meters away from the crash site.
“KPC deeply regrets to confirm a tragic accident involving our staff bus and a cargo train at the Morendat railway crossing. Emergency responders were immediately mobilized, and the injured were transported to nearby hospitals for urgent medical attention,” the company said.
The company also pledged to support affected families and work with authorities to ensure a thorough investigation.
RESIDENTS DEMAND SAFETY MEASURES AT RAILWAY CROSSINGS
Following the Naivasha railway accident, area residents and leaders have renewed calls for the installation of automated railway crossing barriers, warning lights, and signage at high-traffic railway crossings like Morendat.
“This is not the first time we are witnessing such a tragic incident here,” lamented local resident Grace Wanjiku. “We need proper infrastructure — signals, gates, and awareness campaigns to prevent further bloodshed.”
GOVERNMENT URGED TO ENFORCE TRANSPORT SAFETY
The crash has sparked a national conversation about transport safety in Kenya, especially concerning railway level crossings that lack physical barriers or warning systems. Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) officials have been urged to collaborate with Kenya Railways to install advanced safety mechanisms in high-risk zones like Naivasha.
As of Thursday evening, traffic remained heavily backed up along the Naivasha-Mai Mahiu road, with a significant portion cordoned off to allow clean-up operations and further investigations.
Authorities have launched a full investigation into the incident to determine the exact cause and to ensure accountability.
