the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau NSIB investigates Jere train derailment.
The train, enroute to Idu Station, Abuja, from Rigasa Station, Kaduna, departed at 8:00 AM with 685 onboard. NSIB investigates Jere train derailment.
At approximately 9:28 AM, the train approached Jere Station. While navigating a switch point north of Jere Station, the baggage van (BVA) and one passenger coach derailed. The derailed coaches were dragged approximately 86 feet from the switch point before coming to a stop.
Crew members onboard included 2 drivers (one at the front and one at the rear locomotive), 2 train guards, 3 traveling ticket collectors. There were also 20 police escorts (2 in each coach), and 4 bomb disposal unit members. The train consisted of 10 coaches, 1 baggage van (BVA), and 2 locomotives (one at the front and one at the rear).
The NSIB reports no injuries to passengers or crew members. Following the incident, all passengers safely disembarked and were transported with the rear locomotive and the remaining 8 coaches to Abuja. They arrived at 12:32 PM, slightly behind the scheduled arrival time of 10:17 AM. The front locomotive, the derailed BVA, the derailed coach, and another unaffected coach remained at the site of the incident.
Preliminary fact-finding undertaken by our investigators revealed that the train was traveling at a speed of 90 km/h in the section leading up to Jere Station and reduced to 23 km/h on approach to the station. However, immediately after the northern change point at Jere Station, the BVA and a coach of the train derailed.
The NSIB’s investigation seeks to determine the circumstances that led to the derailment. The investigation will examine factors such as the train’s speed, track conditions, mechanical components, and operational procedures. As part of the investigation, the NSIB will collaborate with stakeholders, including the NRC, to analyze On-Train Monitoring Recorder data.
“The safety of passengers and crew is paramount. We commit to ensuring all necessary measures to prevent future reoccurrence,” stated Captain Alex Badeh Jr., Director General of NSIB.
“Our priority is determining the derailment’s root cause and making safety recommendations to enhance railway safety and prevent reoccurrence.”
