Editor's Review

The Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) has clarified an incident involving a Rubber-Tyred Gantry (RTG) crane at the Port of Mombasa on Thursday.

The Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) has clarified an incident involving a Rubber-Tyred Gantry (RTG) crane at the Port of Mombasa on Thursday, September 17.

In a statement on Friday, September 18, the authority said the incident occurred at approximately 3:40pm and attracted attention after reports circulated on social media regarding the collapse of containers onto the crane.

KPA said its safety and emergency response teams responded to the incident immediately in accordance with established procedures.

"KPA confirms that an operational incident involving an RTG occurred and was immediately attended to by the Authority's safety and emergency response teams in accordance with established procedures," the statement read.

The authority said there were no fatalities or serious injuries reported following the incident.

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"We wish to assure our stakeholders and the public that the incident did not result in any fatalities or serious injuries," the statement added.

KPA further provided an update on the condition of the two workers involved in the incident, noting that the truck tractor operator was not injured.

"The truck tractor (TT) operator was unharmed. The RTG operator sustained minor soft-tissue injuries to the legs and was taken to hospital for medical evaluation as a precautionary measure.

"Following assessment and treatment, he was discharged and cleared by the attending medical team," the statement further read.

File image of the incident at the Port of Mombasa

KPA said investigations were ongoing to establish what caused the operational incident and determine whether corrective measures would be required.

"Investigations into the circumstances and cause of the incident are currently underway. KPA is conducting a comprehensive review in line with its safety and incident management protocols to establish the facts and implement any necessary corrective measures," the statement noted.

KPA also addressed members of the public and stakeholders following the circulation of reports about the incident on social media.

"KPA appreciates the concern expressed by members of the public and its stakeholders. We urge the public to rely on official KPA communication channels for accurate and verified information and to refrain from sharing unverified reports that may cause unnecessary alarm or misinformation," the statement concluded.

Elsewhere, a flight instructor and his student have died after an aircraft operated by the Kenya School of Flying crashed in Kipeto, Kajiado West. 

The aircraft was carrying the two occupants when it crashed in the area, resulting in the death of the student at the scene.

Kajiado West Police Commander Maureen Kuto said preliminary information indicated that poor weather conditions contributed to the crash.

According to Kuto, the weather made it difficult for those on board to maintain control of the aircraft, leading to the accident.

The instructor sustained injuries in the crash and was rushed to hospital for treatment. However, he later succumbed to his injuries while receiving medical attention.

The deaths have prompted police to launch investigations into the circumstances surrounding the crash.

The bodies of the two victims were subsequently moved to the mortuary at Kajiado Referral Hospital pending further procedures.