Passengers on the Abuja–Kaduna rail corridor were injured on Monday morning when a train experienced an incident midway through its journey.
Some passengers recounted hearing a loud bang, followed by a violent jolt that threw many from their seats, causing panic and confusion.
The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) confirmed the incident, which occurred around 10:30 a.m. near Asham, involving a rear locomotive and a passenger coach. NRC Managing Director Kayode Opeifa described the occurrence as avoidable, linking it to a coupling failure.
Preliminary reports indicate that the rear locomotive collided with the coach behind it after a problem developed with the coupling mechanism. Several passengers were injured and immediately attended to before being taken to a nearby medical facility. Fortunately, no fatalities were recorded.
Emergency response teams were deployed promptly, and technical staff were sent to the scene to manage the situation. The National Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) is now conducting a thorough investigation in line with safety protocols.
According to NSIB, the train, identified as KA2, departed Rigasa Railway Station in Kaduna for its scheduled journey to Idu Railway Station in Abuja. It was operating within its scheduled service window and had 429 passengers, 46 crew members, and 24 security personnel onboard.
After departing Jere Railway Station at 8:59 a.m., a rear locomotive that had been attached for operational support reportedly detached while the train descended toward Asham, colliding with the rear coaches.
The train consisted of two locomotives, a power car, two business-class coaches, and six standard passenger coaches. NRC emphasized that safety remains a top priority and assured the public that all necessary measures are being taken to prevent similar incidents.
Further updates will be provided as the investigation progresses.
