[VIDEO] Disaster team dispatched, public warned after fuel train accident

Police keep vehicles and pedestrians from the scene of the train accident in Mombasa County, May 20, 2018. /ERNEST CORNEL
Police keep vehicles and pedestrians from the scene of the train accident in Mombasa County, May 20, 2018. /ERNEST CORNEL

KPA

has deployed a disaster management team to stop spillage of petrol into the ocean following a train's derailment on Saturday night.

Catherine Mturi-Wairi, Managing Director of the Kenya Ports Authority, described the incident at Kibarani in Mombasa County as unfortunate.

The train that derailed in Mombasa County while transporting 250,000 liters of super petrol, May 19, 2018. /ERNEST CORNEL

The train that derailed in Mombasa County while transporting 250,000 liters of super petrol, May 19, 2018. /ERNEST CORNEL

Mturi-Wairi said ambulances were also released and private cars, with people heading to the airport and the Standard Gauge Railway station in Miritini, allowed through the port.

"We mobilised units to avert further damage and safeguard marine life. We have temporarily allowed vehicles and pedestrians to pass through the port so that they can catch up with their activities," the MD said on Sunday.

Mombasa residents wait to pass through KPA, following road closures due to a fuel train accident, May 20, 2018. /ERNEST CORNEL

Mombasa residents wait to pass through KPA, following road closures due to a fuel train accident, May 20, 2018. /ERNEST CORNEL

Mombasa County Police Commander Johnston Ipara said the train left the Mombasa yard carrying 250,000 liters of super petrol.

"Experts are on the ground managing the situation," he said, and asked the public to keep off the area.

"Those staying at Mworoto should not use 'naked fire'," he said, adding people should move to safer locations.

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