At least eight people lost their lives on Thursday afternoon when a freight train collided with a Kenya Pipeline Company bus carrying staff at Morendat Junction in Naivasha, Nakuru County.

Naivasha police boss, OCPD Anthony Keter, confirmed the number of casualties.

The collision occurred as the bus attempted to cross the railway and left numerous others injured.

The driver of the bus allegedly crossed the railway crossing without checking, leading to the accident that saw the train drag the bus for over 200 metres.

The eight people believed to be KPC workers were reportedly on their way home when the accident occurred a few metres from the Nairobi-Nakuru highway.

The force of the collision left the bus badly mangled, while the train emerged largely unscathed.

Emergency responders, including police and Kenya Red Cross teams, rushed to the scene to assist survivors and manage the significant traffic disruption caused by the crash.

Those critically injured have been evacuated to hospitals in Naivasha, with some expected to be airlifted for further treatment.

In a statement, Kenya Pipeline Company, whose employees were on the bus, expressed deep sorrow and reassured the public that all those affected are receiving urgent support and medical attention.

The company said it is working urgently to airlift critically injured employees following the tragic accident involving the staff bus and the Kenya Railways train on Thursday afternoon.

KPC Managing Director Joe Sang confirmed that emergency response teams were immediately activated, with swift evacuations to hospitals in Naivasha for those injured.

For the most seriously hurt, air evacuations are being coordinated to ensure access to specialised medical care without delay.

“We are working closely with the medical teams and local authorities to ensure the injured receive the best possible care and to facilitate airlifts for the critically injured,” Sang said.

“At this time, our thoughts and prayers are with our colleagues and their families.”

First responders from KPC, together with local emergency services, coordinated on-site efforts to stabilise the injured and manage the complex evacuation process.

The company says its primary focus remains supporting those affected.