NSIB begins Rigasa-Idu railway incident probe

The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has commenced an investigation into a railway incident involving a passenger train operating on the Rigasa–Idu rail corridor.

The incident occurred at approximately 09:16 hours along the Jere–Asham section near Asham Station in Kaduna State. The section of track where the event occurred is located on a downward gradient.

The train, identified as KA2, departed Rigasa Railway Station in Kaduna at the commencement of its scheduled journey to Idu Station in Abuja.

The train operated within the scheduled service window of 07:15 to 10:01, arriving at Jere Station at 08:52 before departing again at 08:59 to continue the journey toward Abuja.

Upon arrival at Jere Station, a rear locomotive was attached to the train to provide additional operational support for the onward movement along the corridor.

Shortly after departure from Jere station, the rear locomotive became detached while the train proceeded along the downward gradient toward the Asham section.

The detached locomotive subsequently rolled forward and struck the rear portion of the train, resulting in a serious operational occurrence.

At the time of the incident, the train consisted of two locomotives at the front and rear, one power car, two business-class coaches, and six standard passenger coaches.

The train conveyed a total of 429 passengers. Onboard personnel included 46 crew members and 24 security personnel assigned to the service.

Wole Shadare