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• NRC continues services, NSIB launches probe
A train which departed Rigasa Station in Kaduna for Abuja yesterday morning has derailed in a mountainous area near Jere.
No life was lost in the incident, which caused panic among residents in Kaduna.
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According to sources, the train left Kaduna with many passengers on board at about 8:00 a.m., but an hour later, three coaches reportedly derailed.
Security operatives and soldiers were deployed to the scene. Railway engineers were also seen trying to repair the damaged parts of the rail track.
Reacting, the Nigeria Railway Cooperation (NRC) said it would continue normal train services on the corridor.
Deputy Director (Public Relations), Yakub Mahmood, in a statement, said normal passenger train services between Kaduna-Rigasa and Idu Abuja would continue despite the incident.
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He said all passengers on board the derailed train have arrived at their destinations safely, adding that a team of engineers were already at the site to restore the tracks.
“The Nigerian Railway Corporation Management regrets any inconveniences to our affected valued passengers, even as it assures passengers of efforts towards ensuring their safety and comfort always,” the statement said.
Meanwhile, the Nigeria Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has launched an investigation into the incident.
The agency, in a notice sent to The Guardian said: “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.”
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