The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has launched an inquiry into a train derailment that took place on May 26, 2024, at Jere Station, involving passenger train KA2/loco 2702 en route to Idu Station, Abuja from Rigasa Station, Kaduna.
In a statement by the director of public affairs and consumer protection at the bureau, Mrs. Bimbo Olawumi Oladeji it was highlighted that the train left Rigasa at 8:00 AM with 685 passengers and crew aboard. At around 9:28 AM, as the train approached Jere Station, the baggage van (BVA) and a passenger coach derailed. These coaches were pulled about 86 feet from the switchpoint before coming to a halt.
The onboard team comprised 2 drivers (one at the front and one at the rear locomotive), 2 train guards, 3 traveling ticket collectors (TTC), 20 police escorts (2 per coach) and 4 bomb disposal unit members. The train consisted of 10 coaches, 1 baggage van (BVA), and 2 locomotives (1 at the front and 1 at the rear).
The statement confirmed that no passengers or crew suffered injuries. Following the incident, all passengers alighted safely and were transported with the rear locomotive and the remaining 8 coaches to Abuja, reaching at 12:32 PM, slightly delayed from the scheduled arrival time of 10:17 AM. The front locomotive, the derailed BVA, the derailed coach and another unaffected coach remained at the incident site.
Preliminary findings by our Investigators revealed that the train was traveling at 90 km/h leading to Jere Station and slowed to 23 km/h approaching the station. However, just after the switch point north of Jere Station, the derailment occurred involving the BVA and a coach of the train.
The NSIB’s investigation aims to ascertain the factors behind the derailment, including the speed of the train, track conditions, mechanical aspects and operational protocols. Collaboration with relevant stakeholders, notably the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC), will involve analysing data from the on-train monitoring recorder (OTMR) and other essential information sources.
Director-general of NSIB, Captain Alex Badeh Jr.emphasised, “Passenger and crew safety is paramount, and NSIB is resolute in taking all necessary steps to avert recurrence and enhance railway system safety.” He added, “Identifying the root cause(s) of the derailment and proposing safety enhancements for railway operations in Nigeria to prevent future incidents is our key focus.”
The bureau pledged to conduct a thorough and transparent investigation, in line with global standards and best practices, with updates shared as progress is made.
The NSIB advises the public to remain patient and avoid speculation on the derailment’s causes until the investigation concludes and factual results are presented.
