The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has commenced investigation following the derailment of Abuja-Kaduna train on Sunday.
The train derailed at Jere Station departed Rigasa at 8:00am with 685 passengers and crew onboard.
The passenger train KA2/loco 2702 was en route to Idu Station, Abuja from Rigasa Station, Kaduna.
The Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection of the Bureau, Mrs. Bimbo Oladeji in a statement in Abuja on Monday stated that the baggage van (BVA) and one passenger coach derailed.
She noted that the derailed coaches were dragged approximately 86 feet from the switch point before coming to a stop.
She said as part of the investigation process, the Bureau would analyse data from the On-Train Monitoring Recorder (OTMR) and other critical sources of information.
She added that the investigation to be carried out would examine the train’s speed, track conditions, mechanical components, and operational procedures.
Giving details on the number of those on board, she said: “685 passengers and crew were onboard. Crew members onboard included two drivers (one at the front and one at the rear locomotive), two train guards, three Traveling Ticket Collectors (TTC), 20 police escorts (2 at each coach) and 4 bomb disposal unit members.”
The train, according to her, consisted of 10 coaches, one baggage van (BVA), and two locomotives (one at the front and one at the rear).
On the state of the passengers and affected facilities, she said: “Thankfully, no passengers or crew members were injured. Following the incident, all passengers safely disembarked and were transported with the rear locomotive and the remaining 8 coaches to Abuja, where they arrived at 12:32 PM, slightly behind the scheduled arrival time of 10:17 AM.
“The front locomotive, the derailed BVA, the derailed coach, and another unaffected coach remained at the site of the incident.”
Giving outcome of preliminary investigation, Oladeji said: “Preliminary fact-finding undertaken by our Investigators revealed that the train was travelling at a speed of 90 km/h in the section leading up to Jere Station and reduced to 23 km/h on approach to the station.
“However, immediately after the northern change point at Jere Station, the BVA and a coach of the train derailed.”
She said further probe of the incident was aimed at determining the circumstances that led to the derailment.
“The investigation will examine factors such as the train’s speed, track conditions, mechanical components, and operational procedures.
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“As part of the investigation process, the NSIB will collaborate with relevant stakeholders, including the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC), to analyse data from the On-Train Monitoring Recorder (OTMR) and other critical sources of information.
“The safety of passengers and crew is paramount, and NSIB is committed to ensuring that all necessary measures are taken to prevent reoccurrence and improve the safety of our railway systems,.
“Our priority is to determine the derailment’s root caused and make safety recommendations to enhance the safety of railway operations in Nigeria and prevent reoccurrence.”
The Bureau, while stating its committment to conducting a comprehensive and transparent investigation, added that it would provide updates as the investigation progresses.
The NSIB urged the public to exercise patience and refrain from speculating on the causes of the derailment until the investigation is concluded and factual findings are presented.
