The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has launched an inquiry into a train derailment incident on Sunday, May 26, 2024, at Jere Station.
The incident involved passenger train KA2/loco 2702 travelling from Rigasa Station, Kaduna to Idu Station, Abuja.
As the train approached Jere Station at approximately 9:28 am, the baggage van (BVA) and one passenger coach derailed while navigating a switch point north of the station.
According to Mrs Bimbo Olawumi Oladeji, Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection at NSIB, no injuries were reported among passengers or crew.
“NSIB is aware of the derailment of an Abuja-bound train from Kaduna which occurred halfway into the journey at Jere.
“A team has been deployed to the site of the incident,” Oladeji said on Instagram Sunday.
Preliminary investigations indicated that the train was travelling at 90 km/h leading up to Jere Station, decelerating to 23 km/h upon nearing the station. However, the derailment occurred immediately after the northern change point at Jere Station.
Yakub Mahmood, Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) Deputy Director of Public Relations, affirmed in a statement from Abuja that the derailment incident would not impede operations between Kaduna-Rigasa and Idu Abuja.
He confirmed the safe arrival of all passengers at their respective destinations and stated that NRC engineers were already on-site working to restore affected areas.
Mahmood expressed regret for any inconvenience caused to passengers and assured them of NRC’s ongoing efforts to prioritise safety and comfort.
“All the passengers on board the Kaduna-Rigasa to Idu-Abuja arrived at their respective destinations safely. Meanwhile, a team of NRC Engineers are already at the site to restore the affected locations.
“The NRC management regrets any inconveniences to our affected valued passengers. NRC wishes to assure our passengers of our efforts toward ensuring their safety and comfort always,” he said.
NSIB’s investigation aims to ascertain the circumstances surrounding the derailment, with major focus on factors such as train speed, track conditions, mechanical components, and operational protocols.