The Nigeria Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has stated that preliminary investigation report of the Abuja-Kaduna train derailment would be released in 23 days’ time.
NSIB Director General Captain Alex Badge Jnr said he would not want to pre-empt the investigation report by stating the cause of the incident, but said standard procedure states that investigation report should be released 30 days after the incident, which is about 23 days from today.
The DG, during a press briefing on Tuesday in Abuja, said the derailed train consisted of eight passenger coaches with one locomotive at the front and one at the rear. It departed Idu Station, Abuja, at 09:45 hours and stopped at Kubwa Station at 10:04 hours before continuing its journey.
He added, “Shortly after passing a track changing point (switch/turnout) at Asham Station, five coaches (SC00 6T, SC00 8T, SC00 10T, E00 2S, and EB00 2S) derailed. The forward locomotive (CDD5C2 2701) and two coaches (SC002T, SC004T) overturned, while the rear locomotive (CDD5C1 W0004) and the last coach (SE00 2S) remained on the rail track.”
The DG disclosed that out of the 583 people on board, including crew, eyewitnesses reported that approximately 50 passengers might have been injured. However, many were taken away by their families, but official records confirmed that 12 persons sustained minor to moderate injuries, and no fatalities were recorded.
He stated that the derailment caused significant damage to the track, sleepers, and switching mechanism.
He observed that while emergency response and evacuation efforts were effectively managed, the occurrence underscores the importance of a comprehensive, independent safety investigation under the NSIB Regulation.
He stated that in accordance with the Railways (Investigation of Accidents and Incidents) Regulation 2024, the NSIB has begun the process of investigating the incident by collecting and analysing information, identifying causes and contributing factors (such as actions, omissions, events, or conditions that led to or increased the likelihood of the derailment), and issuing safety recommendations.
Captain Bade Jnr said the process was not to assign fault, blame, or liability (administrative, civil, or criminal) but to prevent future occurrences.
He highlighted some of the activities to be carried out, including securing the site, coordinating with railway security authorities, police, and other relevant entities. He also mentioned restricting access to recorded data from the train, such as vigilance control systems, speedometers, onboard CCTV cameras, and over-speed trip mechanisms, stating that all these will be preserved and analysed.
He said that findings from the ongoing investigation will inform the development of safety recommendations aimed at preventing future occurrences and enhancing railway safety in Nigeria.
