Passengers sustained injuries on Monday morning after a train operating on the Abuja-Kaduna rail corridor was involved in an incident that forced the service to halt midway through the journey.
The passenger train travelling from Kaduna to Abuja failed to reach its destination as scheduled after the disruption occurred along the busy rail line linking the Federal Capital Territory with Kaduna State.
A source within the NRC confirmed the development on condition of anonymity, as it is not within his purview to speak on such matters.
Passengers on board said the incident happened suddenly, sending shock and panic through the coaches as the train came to an abrupt halt.
Some passengers reported hearing a loud bang before the train jolted violently, throwing several occupants off their seats and causing confusion inside the coaches.
According to the eyewitness accounts, the Abuja-bound train reportedly collided with another train along the corridor, forcing rail operations to stop temporarily while the situation was assessed.
DECENCY GLOBAL NEWS gathered that a number of passengers were injured, with some reportedly sustaining cuts and bruises after being flung against seats and metal fittings inside the train compartments.
A social media user, Sada Malumfashi, who claimed to be one of the passengers, described the frightening moment shortly after disembarking from the train, explaining that the sudden jolt caught many people unprepared.
The passenger who posted on his X account stressed that the train remained stationary for about 30 minutes before the journey resumed slowly towards Kubwa, an area on the outskirts of Abuja.
He said, “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. No communication from @info_NRC on anything.”
When contacted, the NRC spokesperson, Callistus Unyimadu, also confirmed the development, promising that a statement would be released to that effect.
NSIB Begins Probe
Meanwhile, the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has commenced an investigation into a railway incident involving a passenger train operating on the Rigasa–Idu rail corridor after some passengers sustained injuries when a detached locomotive struck the rear of the train.
The train, identified as KA2, departed Rigasa Railway Station in Kaduna on its scheduled journey to Idu Station in Abuja, operating within its timetable of 07:15 to 10:01.
According to a statement signed by NSIB Director of Public Affairs and Family Assistance, Mrs Funke Arowojobe, the incident occurred at about 09:16 hours on a downward gradient section of the track along the Jere–Asham corridor near Asham Station in Kaduna State.
The train had arrived at Jere Station at about 08:52 and departed again at 08:59 to continue its journey toward Abuja. The NSIB stated that upon arrival at Jere Station, a rear locomotive was attached to the train to provide additional operational support for the onward movement along the corridor.
Shortly after departure from Jere Station, however, the rear locomotive became detached while the train proceeded along the downward gradient toward the Asham section. The detached locomotive subsequently rolled forward and struck the rear portion of the train, resulting in what the Bureau described as a serious operational occurrence.
At the time of the incident, the train consisted of two locomotives positioned at the front and rear, one power car, two business class coaches and six standard passenger coaches.
A total of 429 passengers were on board the train, alongside 46 crew members and 24 security personnel assigned to the service.
The Bureau confirmed that no fatalities were recorded, although some passengers sustained injuries.
It noted that personnel of the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) and security personnel on board initiated immediate response actions following the incident, while medical personnel provided first aid assistance to affected passengers.
Following the occurrence, the train proceeded to Idu Station in Abuja, arriving at approximately 10:39 hours where additional assistance was provided to passengers.
NSIB noted that investigators have since commenced evidence gathering and analysis to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident.
The Bureau said the investigation would examine technical, operational and infrastructure factors, including train configuration, locomotive attachment systems, operational procedures and relevant operational data.
Commenting on the incident, the Director General of NSIB, Captain Alex Badeh Jr., expressed concern for the affected passengers and reaffirmed the Bureau’s commitment to uncovering the facts behind the occurrence.
“This incident reminds us that every transport journey carries the trust and expectations of hundreds of people who rely on the system to move them safely to their destination. Our thoughts are with the passengers who sustained injuries, and we commend the swift response of Nigerian Railway Corporation personnel and emergency teams who assisted those affected.
At the Bureau, we approach every investigation with a deep sense of responsibility because behind every occurrence are real people, real families, and real consequences.
Our team will carefully examine every relevant factor to understand what happened and to ensure that the lessons from this occurrence lead to safer railway operations across Nigeria.”
The Bureau said it would work closely with the Corporation and other relevant agencies as the investigation progresses, adding that further updates would be provided as more information becomes available.
