ABUJA (Sundiata Post) – The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has initiated an investigation into a train derailment that occurred near Jere station on May 26th, while en route to Abuja.
The incident involved a train carrying 685 passengers that departed Rigasa station, Kaduna at 8:00 am. While navigating a switch point north of Jere station at approximately 9:28 am, the baggage van and one passenger coach derailed, dragging approximately 86 feet before coming to a stop.
Fortunately, no injuries were reported, and all passengers were safely transported to Abuja by the remaining coaches. The front locomotive, the derailed coach, and another unaffected coach remained at the scene.
NSIB Director General Capt Alex Badeh revealed that preliminary findings indicate the train was travelling at 90 km/h before approaching Jere station, reducing speed to 23 km/h on approaching the station. However, the derailment occurred immediately after the northern change point at Jere.
The NSIB investigation will focus on determining the root cause of the derailment, examining factors such as train speed, track conditions, mechanical components, and operational procedures. The bureau will collaborate with the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) to analyze data from the train’s monitoring recorder.
“The safety of passengers and crew is paramount,” Capt. Badeh emphasized. “We commit to ensuring all necessary measures to prevent future reoccurrence. Our priority is determining the derailment’s root cause and making safety recommendations to enhance railway safety and prevent reoccurrence.”
