NSIB NRC Commence Investigation Into Kaduna Train Derailment

Regulatory agencies have promised immediate investigation into the remote cause of the train derailment along the Abuja- Kaduna corridor on Tuesday morning.

Both the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau, NSIB and the Nigerian Railway Corporation, NRC vowed to unearth causes of the accident which left seven person injured.

The derailment was said to have occurred at about 11.09 at KM 49 between Kubwa station and Asham station.

The accident caused panic as the over 600 persons on board scampered for safety when some coaches fell off track.

The root cause of the accident was not ascertained as at the time of filing this report as concerned authorities promised to investigate circumstances leading to the derailment.

The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) said it has deployed a go-team to the site to gather evidence, engage relevant stakeholders, and commence an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the accident.

“The Bureau sympathises with those injured and extends its support to all passengers affected. The investigation will focus on identifying the direct and underlying factors that led to the derailment, to issue safety recommendations to prevent a recurrence,” said the Director General of NSIB, Captain Alex Badeh Jr.

While expressing deep sympathy with the passengers, he said “the Bureau has deployed investigators to the site to ensure the root cause of this derailment is uncovered. Our commitment is to ensure safer rail transport for Nigerians through a transparent and independent investigation.”

The NSIB says it will provide updates as the investigation progresses.

However,the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) confirmed the accident occured at Ashame along the Abuja- Kaduna corridor.

The Corporation said a process of investigation has commenced “under the supervision of relevant authorities and the Federal Ministry of Transportation”.

In a statement signed by the Managing Director of the NRC, Kayode Opeifa said a total.of 618 persons comprising of 583 passengers, 15 NRC crew members, one medical personnel, eight cleaners and 11 catering staff who were onboard were successfully evacuated.

“Out of this 7 sustained varying degrees of injury and were immediately transported by ambulances to hospital facilities by medical personnel mobilized to the site.

“The remaining passengers were conveyed safely back to Idu and Kubwa stations aboard a rescue train dispatched from Idu for that purpose. All have since returned safely to destinations,” said Opeifa.

The Managing Director said the corporation in line with its commitment to passenger welfare has ordered the refund of fare ticket to passengers through its third party ticketing company

The NRC further announced the temporary suspension of all Abuja- Kaduna Train Service (AKTS) “pending recovery of the site ,further clearances and official announcement of service resumption”.