A passenger train travelling from Abuja to Kaduna derailed on Tuesday morning, overturning several carriages and sparking panic among passengers.
The incident occurred at about 11:09 am at KM 49 between Kubwa Station and Asham Station.
Eyewitnesses reported that the derailment happened suddenly, throwing the train into chaos. Six passengers were confirmed injured. “It is a complete pandemonium.
People who were confirmed to be saved were seen running in different directions. It was pure panic,” one eyewitness, identified only as Abubakar, said.
The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) confirmed that six passengers sustained injuries, though no fatalities were recorded. Investigators have been dispatched to the site to gather evidence.
“We deeply sympathise with all who sustained injuries. The bureau has deployed investigators to the site to ensure the root cause of this derailment is uncovered,” NSIB Director-General, Capt Alex Badeh, said in a statement.
The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) also confirmed the derailment and said emergency services were activated.
“Emergency rescue, medical personnel, and nearby hospitals have already been mobilised. Full complement of security already on ground as effort is ongoing to move all passengers on train back to Abuja safely,” the NRC stated.
Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State expressed sympathy to the victims and ordered swift intervention. “The governor has instructed that every necessary support be extended to passengers to minimise the impact of this unfortunate incident,” Commissioner-designate for Information, Malam Ahmed Maiyaki, said.
Federal railway officials, security agencies, and emergency responders have launched a joint investigation to determine whether the derailment was caused by technical failure, poor maintenance, or sabotage.
Former Kaduna Central Senator Shehu Sani blamed government negligence, citing passengers’ frequent complaints about safety and security on the corridor.
The Abuja-Kaduna rail line has faced repeated disruptions, most notably the March 2022 terrorist attack that left several dead and many abducted. Tuesday’s incident has reignited concerns among passengers who consider the train a safer alternative to the highway.
President Bola Tinubu also reacted to the accident, expressing sorrow from Brazil where he is on an official visit. “I am deeply saddened by this incident. My heartfelt prayers are with the injured, their families, and all passengers who went through this distressing experience,” Tinubu wrote on his X account.
He added that he was monitoring developments closely. “I am staying updated on the latest developments and await a full briefing to ensure swift action and support for all affected. The NRC is already addressing the situation, and necessary steps are expected to be taken to prevent similar occurrences in the future,” he stated.
Meanwhile, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) reported a slightly higher casualty figure, saying seven passengers were injured.
NEMA explained that the victims received first aid at the site before being transferred to hospital.
“The incident occurred after 11 am today. Although no fatalities were recorded, seven passengers sustained varying degrees of injury. They were promptly administered first aid at the scene before being taken to hospital for further medical attention,” NEMA’s Head of Press Unit, Manzo Ezekiel, said in a statement.
The agency added that its Director-General, Mrs Zubaida Umar, personally led the rescue operation.
“The rescue operation was a multi-agency effort coordinated by NEMA, with the swift support of the Nigerian military, the Nigeria Police Force, Nigeria Immigration Service, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, and others, whose vigilance and rapid response led to the smooth conduct of the operation,” it stated.