Young Man Wearing Headphones Killed by a Train in Bungoma.

Eyewitnesses report that the victim was wearing headphones, which likely prevented him from hearing the train's repeated hooting warnings.

The incident occurred along the railway tracks near Pamus in Bungoma town, a busy section where the line runs parallel to roads and residential areas. According to accounts from bystanders, the young man was walking on or near the tracks with headphones on, immersed in music or audio, and appeared unaware of the oncoming train despite its loud horn blasts.

"The train hooted several times, but he didn't react at all. People shouted, but it was too late—he was knocked down right there," one eyewitness told local residents who gathered at the scene. The impact was fatal; the victim suffered severe injuries and bled profusely, succumbing to his wounds shortly after the collision. His body was left on the tracks amid shock and chaos as onlookers rushed to help.

This heartbreaking event highlights a growing concern over pedestrian safety on railway lines, particularly the dangers posed by the use of headphones or earbuds near active tracks. Similar incidents have been reported in other parts of the world and even within Kenya, where individuals fail to hear approaching trains due to noise-canceling or loud audio equipment.

Kenya Railways has long urged the public to exercise extreme caution around railway lines, reminding residents that trains cannot stop quickly and that crossing or walking on tracks is prohibited except at designated points. Officials emphasized that sirens and horns are standard safety measures, but they are ineffective if pedestrians are distracted.