22 passengers injured in Abuja-Kaduna train accident
No fewer than 22 passengers were injured when an Abuja-Kaduna train experienced a violent jolt along the corridor, forcing the train to halt and disrupting the journey. There were 429
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No fewer than 22 passengers were injured when an Abuja-Kaduna train experienced a violent jolt along the corridor, forcing the train to halt and disrupting the journey.
There were 429 passengers and 70 crew on board the train.
Managing Director, Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC), Mr. Kayode Opeifa, who confirmed the figure, yesterday travelled through the affected corridor shortly after the incident and later addressed reporters in Kaduna, insisting that the rail line remains safe for commuters.
Passengers on board said the incident occurred during the morning hours when the train suddenly jerked, causing panic in the coaches.
Some travellers were reportedly thrown from their seats as the train came to an abrupt stop, leading to injuries among passengers.
Preliminary information from the NRC indicated that the incident occurred about 10:30 a.m. near Asham along the corridor.
The corporation explained that the incident involved a rear locomotive and a passenger coach.
According to the NRC boss, the accident was not a derailment or a collision between two trains but a single-train incident involving a backup locomotive.
He said the corporation had adopted the use of two locomotives on the route so that a second engine could move the train if the primary engine developed a fault.
Opeifa explained that the train departed Rigasa in Kaduna yesterday morning but one of the locomotives developed a problem overnight and had to be replaced with a backup engine.
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He said although the train was almost at its destination, the crew decided to couple the backup engine to the main train rather than allowing it to trail behind.
According to him, the incident occurred near Asham when the backup locomotive made contact with the power car that supplies electricity to the coaches.
The NRC managing director said the power car subsequently hit the last passenger coach where passengers were seated.
He insisted the affected coach had 88 passengers on board.
“Among the passengers in that coach, we have so far recorded about 22 people who sustained injuries,” he said.
Opeifa noted that contrary to some reports circulating on social media, there was no derailment and no fatality from the incident.
He explained that engineers on board detached the affected power car and coach so that the train could continue its journey.
The NRC boss added that the train eventually arrived at its destination a few minutes behind schedule after the incident was addressed.
He said the NRC internal investigation team and the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) had commenced investigations to determine the exact cause of the accident.
Opeifa assured passengers that the corporation would review the situation and ensure that the Abuja–Kaduna corridor becomes even safer for commuters.
Earlier, the Railway said: “The Management of the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) wishes to confirm that an avoidable train incident occurred about 10:30 a.m. today (yesterday) near Asham, involving a rear locomotive and a passenger coach.
“Preliminary reports indicate that the rear locomotive made contact with the rear immediately next to it (rear) due to a coupling issue.
“Some passengers sustained injuries and were promptly attended to and taken to a nearby medical facility for proper medical care. No fatalities were recorded.
“Emergency response protocols were activated, and relevant technical teams have been mobilised to the location. The Safety Investigation Bureau (SIB) is also on site to conduct a thorough investigation into the incident in line with established safety procedures.
“The train arrived at Idu station about 10.39am, 38 minutes behind schedule due to the time allowed to remove the incident rear locomotive and coach Sp 0006.
“The corporation assures the public that safety remains its top priority, and all necessary measures are being taken to address the situation and ensure the continued safe operation of train services.”
An eyewitness, Sada Malumfashi, shared photos of bent metal and derailed sections on X, describing how people inside suffered cuts and severe injuries.
His post reads: “Just dropped from the Kaduna-Abuja train.
‘’We heard a loud bang and the train jolted to a stop, flinging people across. Passengers got hit and most are bleeding and severely injured. The train was delayed for some 30 minutes and resumed to Kubwa.”
