By Gabriel Agbeja

The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has announced that a preliminary report on the train derailment along the Abuja–Kaduna corridor at Asham Station on Aug. 26 will be ready within 23 days.

NSIB Director-General, Capt. Alex Badeh, disclosed this while addressing newsmen in Abuja.

According to him, the derailment resulted in injuries to passengers, damage to railway infrastructure, and disruption of services along the Abuja–Kaduna corridor.

Badeh noted that emergency response and evacuation efforts were effectively managed, emphasizing that the incident highlights the need for a comprehensive and independent safety investigation in accordance with NSIB regulations.

“NSIB has been notified and has instituted an independent investigation into this railway occurrence.

“Findings from the ongoing investigation will inform the development of safety recommendations aimed at preventing future occurrences and enhancing railway safety in Nigeria.

“The identification of causes or contributing factors does not imply assignment of fault, blame, or liability (administrative, civil, or criminal).

“The NSIB is committed to transparency, with further updates issued as new information becomes available, including any interim statements or the final report,” he said.

Badeh stated that the investigation would be conducted independently of any judicial, administrative, or other proceedings to ensure impartiality.

He said the bureau had appointed an Investigator-in-Charge (IIC) based on qualifications to organise, conduct, and control the investigation.

“The IIC has full access and control over the accident site, evidence, and relevant records, including the protection and custody of rolling stock, locomotives, contents, and other evidence to prevent disturbance or tampering.

“Evidence protection measures include securing the site, restricting access, and coordinating with railway security authorities, police, and other relevant entities.

“Recorded data from the train, including vigilance control systems, speedometers, on-board CCTV cameras, and over-speed trip mechanisms, will be preserved and analysed,” he said.

According to the NSIB boss, the bureau may appoint technical experts to assist the IIC and may delegate parts of the investigation if needed, while ensuring coordination with any judicial panel or tribunal of inquiry.

“The ongoing investigation, as outlined in Part 5 of the Regulation, includes- detailed inspection of the site, switch, track geometry, and infrastructure; review of NRC records (crew, station, control, maintenance, and operational data).

“Technical examination of locomotives, coaches, and other rolling stock; Interviews with crew, staff, responders, passengers, and witnesses (with statements taken under affirmation where required).

“Analysis of any recorded data from accidents and incidents, ensuring protection of investigation records from unauthorised disclosure or use in judicial proceedings (subject to a balancing test by competent authorities like the Federal High Court).”

Others, he said, were correlation of all evidence, including organisational information from the operator, to determine causal and contributing factors and potential reopening of the investigation if new evidence emerged.

The NSIB director-general also mentioned releasing of established factual information within the first year if appropriate.

“If the investigation identifies international aspects (e.g., involvement of foreign states in design, manufacture, or operation of the rolling stock), the NSIB will forward notifications to relevant states.

“The bureau may invite accredited representatives or advisers to participate, respecting their rights and obligations. Family assistance will be provided in line with Part 9.

“Including coordination with providers such as government agencies, the NRC, and family associations to address the needs of victims, survivors, and their families (defined as spouses, children, parents, siblings, and grandparents),” he said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Kevin Okunzuwa