A tragic train accident in Ruiru Town claimed the life of a boda boda rider whose motorbike got stuck on the tracks as he attempted to crossDespite the train’s approach, the rider proceeded, resulting in a fatal collision that left his motorcycle in flamesHeartbreaking footage of the crash has sparked public concern over railway crossing safety and the dangers of risky behaviourA tragic accident unfolded in Ruiru Town on Saturday when a boda boda rider lost his life after being struck by a train.
The boda boda man was crushed by the train and died on the spot. Screengrabs from Bruce Lee Isadia.
Source: FacebookThe rider attempted to cross the railway line, but his motorcycle became stuck on the tracks as an oncoming train approached.
How boda boda rider ended up on railway line Eyewitnesses reported that the rider crossed despite the imminent danger, hoping to make it to the other side in time.
Unfortunately, the train rammed into the motorcycle, throwing the rider to the side. The motorbike was extensively damaged, and the impact caused a fire to break out.
A harrowing video from the scene showed members of the public rushing to extinguish the flames engulfing the motorbike before moving the rider’s lifeless body to the side of the tracks.
The heartbreaking footage has sparked a wave of reactions on social media, with many questioning why the rider risked his life in such a perilous manner.
Social media reactionsLocal authorities have yet to release the identity of the deceased, and investigations are ongoing to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Social media users have called for heightened awareness and caution among boda boda riders, urging them to prioritize safety when crossing railway lines.
Festus Mbithi:
“May his soul rest in peace. It’s good to be cautious. However, when death comes, in the eyes of human beings, we will be left with questions like he should have done this and that, but the fact is that his time to depart had reached.”Eston Mawira:
“It’s just a matter of ignorance. The train is hooting, and somebody’s mind shows him he will cross without a second thought.”Nyar Koguta:
“These boda boda riders what’s their problem? They don’t even adhere to road signs and regulations.”Cephas:
“Boda bodas work is mysterious ways.”Roman Compe:
“How does this happen?”CPT Ibrahim Traore:
“Discipline is mandatory everywhere. Small error with big damage. Exercise patience always.”African Bantu:
“What was he doing because sasa unawezaje kosa kuona kitu kubwa hivi surely? Train ata horn yake unaskianga kilometer away.”Boda boda rider allegedly shot by policemanMeanwhile, a boda boda rider in Nakuru county was allegedly shot by a police officer he was transporting to the station.
Felix Lung’aya said he asked to briefly stop at his house during the trip, which he claims the officer allowed but later shot him.
Boda boda riders in the area have raised complaints about harassment by police officers but claim nothing has been done.
Other train incidents in East AfricaA Kajiado man escaped death by a whisker after the Standard Gauge Railways (SGR) train missed him while he was strolling on the railway. Still in Kajiado, one died while 30 others were injured after a train with 100 passengers lost control and fell off the bridge.In Uganda, a couple perished after the vehicle that they were travelling in was run over by a fast-moving train in a dawn accident. Proofreading by Otukho Jackson, a multimedia journalist and copy editor at TUKO.co.ke
Source: TUKO.co.ke
