NSIB begins probe into abuja–kaduna train derailment
By: Zagazola Makama
The Nigeria Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has commenced investigation into the Abuja–Kaduna train derailment that occurred on Tuesday, triggering panic among passengers.
The incident happened along the Kaduna corridor shortly after the train departed Abuja around 11 a.m. en route to Kaduna.
A passenger on board told Zagazola that the scene was chaotic, with people scrambling to safety in fear and confusion.
In a statement, NSIB’s Director of Public Affairs and Family Assistance, Mrs. Bimbo Oladeji, said preliminary findings indicated that six passengers sustained minor injuries, with no fatalities recorded.
She said the Bureau had dispatched a “go-team” to the site to collect evidence, liaise with stakeholders, and investigate the circumstances surrounding the derailment.
The NSIB quoted its Director-General, Mr. Alex Badeh Jr., as expressing sympathy for the injured passengers.
“We deeply sympathise with all who sustained injuries. The Bureau has deployed investigators to the site to ensure the root cause of this derailment is uncovered. Our commitment is to ensure safer rail transport for Nigerians through a transparent and independent investigation,” Badeh said.
According to the Bureau, the investigation will examine both direct and underlying factors behind the derailment and issue recommendations to prevent future incidents.
Also, Kaduna State Governor, Sen. Uba Sani, directed that every necessary support be extended to the affected passengers.
In a statement by the State Commissioner of Information-designate, Mr. Ahmed Maiyaki, the governor ordered immediate medical treatment for the injured and emergency psycho-social support for all affected persons.
Sani urged residents to remain calm and go about their normal activities, assuring that the situation was under control.
He sympathised with the passengers and their families over the “regrettable occurrence” and reaffirmed government’s commitment to the safety and well-being of residents and visitors.
Meanwhile, the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) confirmed that six passengers sustained minor injuries and had since received treatment. It said the actual number of passengers on board was yet to be ascertained.
Passengers on board also said that military and security personnel had been deployed to the site to provide security and assist in evacuating stranded commuters to safer areas.
