When did the train accident happen in Malaba?
On February 24, 2025, a devastating accident unfolded in Malaba Town, a bustling hub on the Uganda-Kenya border, when a motorcycle was struck by a train, leaving two dead and one critically injured. The wreckage of the motorcycle, captured by locals in the aftermath, painted a grim picture of the tragedy that occurred at a railway crossing.
UPDATE: The death toll has now increased to 3 after this tragic train accident in Malaba.
The incident took place on Monday when a Kenyan-registered motorcycle, bearing the plate KMBF 172G, collided with a train traveling from Uganda toward Kenya. Authorities reported that the rider, 25-year-old Francis Edaat, and his passenger, 24-year-old Fatuma Emuron, lost their lives in the crash. A third passenger, an unidentified woman, sustained severe injuries and was immediately taken to Mbale Regional Referral Hospital for emergency treatment.
How did the Malaba railway accident happen?
Eyewitnesses described a chaotic scene leading up to the collision. Godfrey Ndelo, a paralegal social worker who witnessed the event, recounted how the motorcyclist appeared to disregard critical warnings. “He was riding at a dangerously high speed,” Ndelo said. “Other road users, including a cargo truck driver who flashed his lights and honked, tried to alert him to the oncoming train, but he didn’t slow down.”
Malaba traffic police chief Joseph Mwabaze confirmed that authorities have launched a thorough investigation to determine the precise circumstances of the accident. Preliminary reports suggest the rider failed to heed the railway crossing signals, a lapse that proved fatal. “We are looking into all factors involved,” Mwabaze stated, emphasizing the need for heightened caution on the roads. “Motorists must pay attention to road signs, particularly at railway crossings, to avoid such heartbreaking incidents.”
The tragedy underscores a persistent safety issue in the region. Local officials have noted that railway crossings in Uganda are notorious for deadly accidents, often linked to speeding and a lack of adherence to traffic warnings. The Malaba crossing, a vital link between the two nations, has now become the site of yet another somber reminder of the dangers posed by negligence on the road.
As the investigation continues, the community mourns the loss of two young lives, while the injured survivor fights for recovery. Authorities hope this incident will serve as a wake-up call for drivers and riders alike to prioritize safety at all times.
