MAKUENI, Kenya — Kenya Railways has confirmed that a cargo train operated by Tata Chemicals Magadi Ltd caught fire at Simba Station in Makueni County on Wednesday, with preliminary investigations pointing to mechanical damage on the locomotive’s fuel tank as the likely cause.
The state corporation said the Magadi train, which was travelling on the metre gauge railway (MGR) network, developed a fire after suspected damage to its fuel tank caused fuel leakage and sparking. The exact cause of the incident remains under investigation.
In a public notice issued on July 1, Kenya Railways said it had dispatched a response team to the scene and was working closely with Tata Chemicals Magadi Ltd to establish the circumstances surrounding the accident.
“Preliminary reports indicate that the fire is believed to have originated from mechanical damage to the locomotive’s fuel tank, causing fuel leakage and sparking. Investigations to establish the exact cause of the incident are ongoing,” the corporation said.
Dramatic Blaze Captured on Camera
Videos and images seen by Ynews.digital showed the locomotive engulfed in flames, with thick black smoke billowing into the sky before the fire reportedly spread to between three and four freight wagons.
Residents living near the scene gathered around the burning train, with some attempting to assess the situation before emergency responders arrived.
At the time the footage was recorded, no firefighting units were visible, although emergency teams were later dispatched to contain the blaze and secure the area.
Kenya Railways said it remains in constant communication with Tata Chemicals Magadi Ltd as response efforts continue.
“Kenya Railways Management is in contact with Tata Chemicals Magadi Ltd. We have dispatched a team to the site and are working closely with the company to support the response,” the statement added.
No Casualties Reported
There were no immediate reports of fatalities or injuries.
Information reaching newsrooms indicates the train crew escaped unharmed. Freight trains operating on the MGR line are typically staffed by a locomotive driver, an assistant driver and a conductor.
Authorities are yet to release an official assessment of the damage caused to the locomotive and freight wagons.
Possible Impact on Rail Operations
Although Kenya Railways had not announced disruptions to passenger or freight services by Thursday, transport experts say the incident could temporarily affect operations if sections of the railway require inspection or repairs.
Simba Station serves as a passing point along the railway corridor, making it an important operational location for train movements.
Should recovery operations extend beyond the immediate accident scene, freight movement between Nairobi and the Port of Mombasa could experience delays, with logistics operators likely to rely more heavily on road transport until normal services resume.
Kenya Railways said investigations are ongoing and pledged to provide further updates as more information becomes available.