Lagos train accident: NSIB faces multi-modal acid test, Sirika direct agency to begin probe

In what could be its first major task since transmuting from Accident Investigation Bureau (AIB) to the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB), the multi-modal accident investigative body has been charged by the Minister of Aviation, Hadi Sirika to immediately swing into action to unravel the cause of the accident involving a Lagos State bus conveying workers to work that collided with a passenger train on Thursday.

Sirika directed the NSIB experts to commence an immediate investigation into the accident.

Describing the accident as unfortunate, Sirika assured the public of the capacity of the Nigeria Safety Investigation Bureau to unravel the immediate and remote causes of the accident and proffer ways of preventing such in the future.

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A train rams into a passenger bus in Lagos

He solicited the cooperation of members of the public as the investigation by the NSIB team commences.

He commiserates with the government and people of Lagos state, especially those who have lost their loved ones, on the sad event, and prays for the quick recovery of those injured in the accident.

According to reports, two persons were confirmed killed while many sustained various degrees of injuries when a moving train rammed into a BRT bus at the PWD bus stop in the Ikeja area of Lagos state on Thursday morning.

The Accident Investigation Bureau Nigeria (AIB-N) transmuted into the National Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) empowered to investigate road, rail and marine accidents.

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This followed the signing into law of the new NSIB Act 2022 by President Muhammed Buhari this week after the Supreme Court gazetted it on November 28, 2022.

Nigeria’s Aviation Minister, Hadi Sirika

In its new status, the Bureau can now investigate serious incidents and accidents in the aviation industry, maritime, rail and road sectors following the repeal of the AIB Act.

Wole Shadare