Kenya Railways has revealed that preliminary investigations into the cargo train fire at Simba Station point to a possible mechanical fault involving the locomotive's fuel system.
In a statement issued late Wednesday, the corporation said the cargo train, operated by Tata Chemicals Magadi Ltd, caught fire while travelling along the Magadi rail corridor, prompting an emergency response.
According to the preliminary findings, the fire is believed to have started after mechanical damage to the locomotive's fuel tank caused a fuel leak, which subsequently ignited.
“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,” Kenya Railways said.
The agency emphasized that investigations are still underway and that the exact cause and sequence of events have not yet been conclusively established.
Kenya Railways said it is working closely with Tata Chemicals Magadi Ltd to investigate the incident, while emergency and technical teams continue recovery and assessment operations at the scene.
The affected train operates along the Magadi industrial rail corridor, a key route used to transport soda ash and other industrial cargo from Magadi to various parts of the country.
Although no casualties had been reported at the time of publication, the incident has renewed concerns over locomotive maintenance and the safety of industrial freight operations on Kenya's railway network.
Kenya Railways said additional information will be released once investigations are complete.
The fire comes as the government continues efforts to modernise and revive sections of the country's metre-gauge railway network to improve freight transport and provide alternative transport options for businesses and passengers.