Railway transport in Kenya had been relatively safe in comparison to road traffic. In the 70s, 80s and early 90s commuter trains between MSA, NBI, NKR and Kisumu was not only Safe but prestigious. That status was forever shaken on 31 Jan 1993.
Rains are not common in the month of January. Unknown to Kenya Railways, heavy rains had hit Mtito Andei area causing over night flooding of the Ngai Ndeithia river. This river is a tributary of Athi-river. The train destined for NBI had passengers on transit to many parts of Kenya. A number of tourists were onboard. The train with over 600 passengers was swept off the track by the raging flood waters crashing the old (1898 built) Ngai Ndeithia bridge. The Engine coach plummeted into the river followed by five carriages with first and second class commuters.
140 persons Kenyan and non citizens died.
Were it not for the quick witted train conductor who pulled the emergency cord that released third class carriages, many more would have perished.
Rains are not common in the month of January. Unknown to Kenya Railways, heavy rains had hit Mtito Andei area causing over night flooding of the Ngai Ndeithia river. This river is a tributary of Athi-river. The train destined for NBI had passengers on transit to many parts of Kenya. A number of tourists were onboard. The train with over 600 passengers was swept off the track by the raging flood waters crashing the old (1898 built) Ngai Ndeithia bridge. The Engine coach plummeted into the river followed by five carriages with first and second class commuters.
140 persons Kenyan and non citizens died.
Were it not for the quick witted train conductor who pulled the emergency cord that released third class carriages, many more would have perished.