The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau, NSIB, has commenced investigation into the railway incident involving a passenger train operating on the Rigasa–Idu rail corridor.
This was disclosed in a statement issued by the Bureau’s Director of Public Affairs and Family Assistance, Funke Arowojobe.
According to the statement, the incident occurred at about 9:16 A.M. along the Jere–Asham section near Asham Station in Kaduna State.
The train, identified as KA2, had departed Rigasa Railway Station for its scheduled journey to Idu Railway Station and had earlier stopped at Jere Station where a rear locomotive was attached to support the onward movement of the train.
However, shortly after departure from Jere Station, the rear locomotive reportedly detached while the train was moving along a downward gradient, before rolling forward and striking the rear portion of the train.
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At the time of the incident, the train conveyed 429 passengers, with 46 crew members and 24 security personnel onboard.
The Nigerian Railway Corporation confirmed that no fatalities were recorded, although some passengers sustained injuries and were attended to by medical personnel.
Following the incident, the train continued its journey and arrived at Idu Station in Abuja at about 10:39 A.M. where additional assistance was provided to passengers.
Director-General of the Bureau, Alex Badeh Jr., says investigators will examine technical, operational and infrastructure factors, including train configuration, locomotive attachment systems and operational procedures, to determine the cause of the occurrence.
He assured that the findings of the investigation will help improve railway safety and operational standards across the country.
(Editor: Anoyoyo Ogiagboviogie)
