Excessive Speeding, Human Errors Caused Abuja-Kaduna Train Derailment — NRC

The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) has identified over-speeding and human errors as the reasons behind the recent derailment of the Abuja–Kaduna train.

Managing Director of the NRC, Dr Kayode Opeifa, on Monday, confirmed the successful completion of recovery and repair efforts following the August 26 derailment incident at Asham, which injured some passengers and caused damages to the coaches and tracks.

The NRC revealed that it has completed an internal investigation into the derailment, and management has accepted all recommendations from the in-house team.

Part of the statement stated that, “While awaiting findings from the committee set up by the Honourable Minister of Transportation, Senator Said Alkali, and the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau, the Corporation reiterated its own findings, attributing the incident to operator error and excessive speed.”

The NRC boss further stated that all affected coaches and locomotives have been re-railed and moved to designated workshops for comprehensive evaluation and further technical work.

“Our team of engineers has successfully repaired the main line to a level that allows us to safely resume operations. While train services will recommence, work on the secondary track will continue simultaneously. During this period, the second line will remain out of use until all necessary repairs are fully completed,” Opeifa added.

He also said that an official announcement regarding the resumption of train services on the Abuja-Kaduna corridor will be made soon, while LEADERSHIP learned that the train service will likely resume this weekend.