April 05, (THEWILL) – The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) on Tuesday, disclosed that 62 telephone numbers of passengers registered on the travellers manifest of the ill-fated Kaduna-bound train, does not exist.
The corporation further revealed that 46 of the telephone numbers are either switched off or not reachable since Tuesday morning, while 33 phone numbers are ringing, but not yet picked.
In a statement on Tuesday, the corporation’s Managing Director, Engr. Fidet Okhiria, said that additional five persons excluding the 191 persons already reported, have been confirmed safe, while 22 persons are still reported missing by their relatives, just as 8 persons have been confirmed dead.
He further disclosed that there were 20 Train Crew on board; seven NRC staff, out of which five persons are safe, but two declared missing; 10 Janitors, out of which six are safe, three missing, one dead just as there were three Caterers on board, out of which one is safe, while two are still missing.
The NRC boss further reported that an additional coach has been rerailed to Rigasa station, which brings to eight the total number of coaches rerailed to safety. He said that intensive work is ongoing to repair the damaged track to ensure the recovery of all the coaches and locomotives.
He said, “Status of 362 validated passengers on board: 191 persons on the manifest are now confirmed safe and at their various homes (Additional 5 persons confirmed safe today).
“Of seven NRC staff, five are safe and two missing. Of 10 janitors, six are safe, three missing and one dead. Also one caterer is safe, while two are missing.
“Five others were confirmed safe on April 4. About 46 phone numbers on the manifest are still either switched off or not reachable.
“Thirty-three phone numbers are ringing, but not answered and 62 phone numbers are responding to be non-existent.”
Okhiria said, the Corporation will continue to collaborate with security agencies to ensure all persons being held are rescued unhurt and reunited with their families.
He expressed empathy with those that lost their loved ones and those injured in the attack and now recuperating from the hospital.
“We are committed to the rescue of our passengers and staff who were on board the ill-fated Ak9 train service.
“We shall continue to collaborate with security agencies to ensure that all persons being held are rescued unhurt and reunited with their families.
“Our heart goes out to those who lost loved ones and those injured in the attack who are now recuperating”, he said.
The Corporation, he said, is appreciative of all the support and cooperation received so far from the security agencies and assure that NRC will continue to update the general public of new developments.
