An empty cargo train burst into flames while moving from Nanyuki to Nairobi city.
According to witnesses, the train stalled on the track shortly before catching fire at the engine section.
Kenya Railways said the fire was as a result of an electric fault.
“Today our locomotive on its way from Nanyuki caught fire due to an electric fault in the engine. Our engineers reacted swiftly and rectified the problem.”
Residents signalled firefighters as they raced to save the crew on board.
Kenya Railways said a team of engineers and inspectors have been dispatched to assess the situation.
“Service will resume once a full inspection is done. The fire Brigade was called as a precautionary measure.”
The century old locomotives have been a subject of concern to most Kenyans, who have been critical of the government’s sluggish embrace of new trains.
Until recently, Kenyans used the locomotives that have been in existence since the 1900s with Kenya Railways forging an electric future ahead.
