Railway line./FILE
Two people were killed on Friday after being hit by commuter trains in separate incidents in Nairobi and Athi River, highlighting growing safety concerns on railway lines.
In Athi River, Machakos County, a passenger train ferrying commuters from Nairobi struck a pedestrian walking on the railway line at night.
Police said the victim, who has not yet been identified, died on the spot. His body, found under a bridge with a severed leg, was moved to the mortuary for a post-mortem.
The same day, another man died after being hit by a train near New Dandora Railway Station on the Nairobi–Kahawa West line.
According to police, the pedestrian was walking carelessly on the tracks when the train approached. His body was also taken to the mortuary pending investigations.
The back-to-back accidents prompted Kenya Railways to caution the public against walking or driving along railway tracks.
“This behavior poses a serious risk to the safety of motorists, passengers, and train operations. It may also result in severe accidents, damage to property, injury, or loss of life,” the corporation said in a statement.
Kenya Railways urged members of the public to cross railway lines only at designated level crossings and warned that those caught driving or parking along the tracks risk prosecution.
Fatal accidents along railway lines have been on the rise, with some survivors left with life-changing injuries. Authorities have been calling for greater public awareness and enforcement of safety rules to curb the trend.
Meanwhile, in Kisumu County, a woman was killed in a crocodile attack at Ogal Beach on Lake Victoria.
The victim, identified as 34-year-old Linet Atieno Wagunde, was an employee of Lakeside Aqua Company. Police said the incident happened on Friday night.
Search teams were still trying to locate her body and track the reptile by Saturday.
