The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) has attributed last month’s Abuja–Kaduna passenger train derailment to a mix of human error and excessive speed.
The accident, which occurred on August 26, saw several coaches come off the tracks. While no lives were lost, the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) confirmed that six passengers sustained injuries.
NRC Managing Director, Kayode Opeifa, said on Tuesday that 618 passengers were onboard at the time of the incident, with 22 reported injured and currently at different stages of recovery.
He explained that officials have successfully reached 512 passengers, while 71 others remain uncontacted due to inaccurate details or lack of response.
Opeifa noted that the corporation had concluded its internal probe, which revealed that the train operator applied the emergency braking system incorrectly while traveling at excessive speed. He said NRC had accepted all recommendations from the review team but would also await findings from the NSIB and a ministerial committee.
Engineers have since re-railed the damaged coaches and locomotives, repaired the main track, and are working to restore the secondary line.
“Safety remains our top priority. The corporation reaffirms its determination to restore public confidence in rail services,” Opeifa said.