The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) has confirmed that 200 persons among the 362 passengers aboard the ill-fated Abuja-Kaduna train are now safe while 22 are reported missing by their families.
The NRC Managing Director, Engr. Fidet Okhiria, in an update on Monday explained that 51 phone numbers on the manifest were either switched off or not reachable since Tuesday morning.
He added that 35 phone numbers on the manifest were ringing but no response from the other end while 60 phone numbers on the manifest when called were not picked up.
Stating that the number of confirmed deaths still remains eight, he commended the security agencies for all the support.
“We are very appreciative of the Squadron Commander MOPOL 1 Kaduna visit to the accident site today (yesterday),” he said.
On the efforts to restore the service, the NRC MD said two coaches (SP 00016 and SP 00017) earlier re-railed were safely moved to Rigasa Station bringing the total number of recovered coaches and safely moved to NRC stations to seven.
He added, “Intensive work continues on track repairs. More concrete sleepers were moved to site while some section of twisted tracks has been straightened.”
