NSIB investigates Abuja-Kaduna train derailment

The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has commenced an investigation into the train derailment that occurred on Sunday, May 26, 2024, at Jere Station, involving the passenger train KA2/loco 2702 en route Idu Station, Abuja from Rigasa Station, Kaduna.

The train departed Rigasa Kaduna at 8am with 685 passengers and crew onboard. At approximately 9:28 am, it approached Jere Station.  

While navigating a switch point north of Jere Station, the baggage van (BVA) and one passenger coach derailed. 

The NSIB in a statement by its Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Mrs Bimbo Olawumi Oladeji, stated that no passenger or crew member was injured.

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The statement 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.”

The bureau stated that its investigation seeks to determine 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.

Meanwhile, the management of the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) has assured passengers that normal train services between Kaduna-Rigasa and Idu Abuja would continue despite the derailment on Sunday morning.