Human Error and Overspeeding Led to Abuja-Kaduna Train Derailment – NRC

The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) has confirmed that human error and excessive speed were responsible for the derailment of a passenger train on the Abuja–Kaduna route last month.

The incident, which occurred on August 26, saw multiple coaches derail as the train veered off the tracks en route to Kaduna from Abuja. Although no fatalities were recorded, the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) reported that six passengers sustained injuries during the crash.

In a statement issued on Monday, Kayode Opeifa, Managing Director of the NRC, revealed that 618 passengers were aboard the train at the time of the incident. He disclosed that 22 individuals suffered various degrees of injury and are currently at different stages of recovery.

Opeifa said the NRC had successfully contacted 512 of the affected passengers.

However, efforts to reach the remaining 71 have been hampered by incorrect contact details, non-responsiveness, or unavailability.

Following an internal investigation, the NRC management has accepted the findings and recommendations regarding the cause of the derailment. Opeifa noted that the corporation is now awaiting final reports from the ministerial committee and the NSIB before taking further action.

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“All affected coaches and locomotives have been re-railed and recovered,” he confirmed. “Repairs on the main track have been completed to ensure safety, while restoration work continues on the secondary track.”

Reaffirming the NRC’s commitment to passenger safety, Opeifa emphasized: “Safety remains our top priority. The corporation is fully committed to restoring public confidence in rail transportation.”