Following Sunday’s Abuja to Kaduna train derail, Ohibaba.com fact-checks what causes train derailments?

Here are the factors:

Human Error

1. Operator error: Mistakes made by train operators, such as excessive speed or failure to follow safety protocols.

2. Maintenance negligence: Failure to properly maintain tracks, trains, or equipment.

Mechanical Failure

1. Track defects: Poorly maintained or damaged tracks can cause trains to derail.2. *Wheel or axle failure*: Mechanical failures in train wheels or axles can lead to derailment.

3. Brake failure: Failure of braking systems can cause trains to lose control and derail.

Environmental Factors

1. Weather conditions: Extreme weather, such as heavy rain, snow, or heat, can cause tracks to become damaged or unstable.

2. Natural disasters: Events like earthquakes, landslides, or floods can damage tracks or disrupt train operations.

Other Factors

Collisions: Collisions with other trains, vehicles, or objects can cause derailments.

2. Sabotage or vandalism: Intentional damage to tracks or trains can lead to derailments.

3. Design or manufacturing flaws

: Flaws in train or track design can contribute to derailments.Investigations into train derailments often involve analyzing these factors to determine the root cause of the incident.

Meanwhile, the Nigerian Railway Corporation has announced the suspension of train operations on the Abuja-Kaduna corridor following the derailment incident.

Managing Director of the NRC, Kayode Opeifa, said that services will remain suspended until investigations are concluded and safety is assured.

“Technical teams from the NRC, officials of the Nigeria Safety Investigation Bureau, NSIB, and other relevant agencies are already at the scene to determine the cause of the derailment and ensure preventive measures are put in place,” he said.

The Nigerian Railway Corporation, NRC, has announced the suspension of train operations on the Abuja-Kaduna corridor following Sunday’s derailment incident.

Managing Director of the NRC, Kayode Opeifa, confirmed the development during a press briefing in Abuja, stressing that services will remain suspended until investigations are concluded and safety is assured.

According to him, technical teams from the NRC, officials of the Nigeria Safety Investigation Bureau, NSIB, and other relevant agencies are already at the scene to determine the cause of the derailment and ensure preventive measures are put in place.

Opeifa dismissed speculations suggesting that the trains were poorly maintained, noting that the corporation has consistently adhered to safety standards.

He also disclosed that refunds have been processed for all passengers affected by the disruption.

The NRC boss also revealed that six passengers sustained minor injuries during the incident and have since received medical attention.

However, he explained that the total number of passengers on board at the time of the derailment was still being verified.

Meanwhile, the NSIB has formally opened an investigation into the incident as authorities work to restore safe and efficient rail services along the route.

Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court in Abuja has condemned the decision of a terrorism suspect to skip trial, describing the action as ‘unfortunate.’‎‎

This remark by the judge is in respect of Mohammed Usman also known as Khalid Al-barnawi, allegedly link to Ansaru the splinter group of Boko Haram. ‎‎

Al-barnawi and four others-Mohammed Saleh, Umar Bello, Mohammed Salisu and Yakubu Nuhu- are alleged to have conspired to carry out terrorist activities between 2011 and 2013 in several northern Nigerian states, including Sokoto, Kebbi, Bauchi, Borno, and Gombe. ‎‎

During Tuesday’s court session, the prosecution, led by Dr. Alex Izinyon (SAN), informed the court that proceedings were due to continue with a trial-within-a-trial phase.

However, he noted with concern the absence of the first defendant, Mohammed Usman, and his counsel.

Lawyers for two other defendants were also not present.

‎‎Dr. Izinyon revealed that Usman’s lawyer claimed to be away in Enugu and had promised to send a representative, who did not appear.

He described the no-show and lack of communication as disrespectful and contrary to the court’s efforts to expedite the long-running case which has been on since 2017.

‎‎In response, Justice Nwite expressed his dissatisfaction with the absence, emphasizing the importance of an expeditious hearing.

He warned that the court would not tolerate defendants absence from the proceedings.‎‎

The judge instructed the parties to collaborate and clarify the reasons behind the absence to prevent further delays.‎‎

He then adjourned the case until September 5 and 12 for the continuation of evidence from the third prosecution witness and the playback of relevant videos as part of the trial within a trial.‎‎

The US government had placed a $5 million bounty on Mohammed Usman in 2012, designating him as one of three Nigerian “specially designated global terrorists.

“‎‎Ansaru, ideologically linked to al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb, is accused of targeting Westerners and carried out a notable attack on a maximum-security prison in Abuja in 2012, freeing dozens of inmates.‎