A train has overturned after a cargo train derailed on the Meter Gauge Railway in Kibwezi, Makueni county.
Kibwezi deputy county commissioner Paul Khaoya said police had secured the scene of the incident despite members of the public's attempts to syphon petrol that spilt after the train veered off the rail.
The incident occurred on Wednesday evening. The train was en route to Nairobi from Mombasa.
No injuries or fatalities were reported in the incident.
"Today, there was an accident. A train derailed and three cargos overturned in Kibwezi, Makueni County," Khaoya said.
The administrator addressed the press at the scene shortly after the incident.
He said the train was transporting highly inflammable fuel—V-power petrol when it got involved in the accident.
"My call to the public is that they should not move near the scene; it's dangerous and has been secured by police officers," Khaoya said.
He cautioned those who are fond of rushing to the scene of accidents to loot that they should not do so because the fuel from the train is risky.
"This product is dangerous," he said.
He said some youths had been arrested after they were found siphoning petrol from the wagons that had overturned.
Khaoya said the suspects have been locked up at Kibwezi police station pending arraignment on Thursday.
A fire brigade from Makueni County Government has responded to the scene.
Khaoya said the firefighters were on standby to intervene in case of a fire outbreak.
The recovery exercise of the overturned cargo will commence on Thursday.
