Kaduna, Nigeria – The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has launched a full investigation into the train derailment that occurred on Sunday, May 26th, 2024, at Jere Station. The incident involved passenger train KA2/loco 2702 travelling from Rigasa Station, Kaduna, to Idu Station, Abuja.

The train departed Rigasa at 8:00 AM with 685 passengers and crew members on board. While approaching Jere Station at approximately 9:28 AM, the baggage van (BVA) and one passenger coach derailed near a switch point north of the station.

Thankfully, a statement released by the NSIB’s Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Mrs. Bimbo Olawumi Oladeji, confirmed that no injuries were sustained by any passengers or crew members.

According to the NSIB statement, preliminary investigations revealed the train was travelling at 90 kilometres per hour (km/h) on the section leading up to Jere Station before reducing speed to 23 km/h as it approached the station. However, the derailment occurred immediately after the train passed the northern change point at Jere Station, affecting the BVA and one coach.

The NSIB investigation aims to determine the exact cause of the derailment. This will involve a thorough examination of factors such as the train’s speed at the time of the incident, the condition of the tracks, the mechanical state of the train’s components, and adherence to operational procedures.

Despite the Sunday morning incident, the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) has assured passengers that regular train services between Kaduna-Rigasa and Idu Abuja will continue as planned.