Several passengers have been injured after an Abuja–Kaduna passenger train derailed near Asham Station on the busy corridor.
The incident occurred on Monday morning when the train, heading from Kaduna towards Abuja, suffered a collision that caused part of the coaches to leave the tracks.
The Managing Director of the Nigerian Railway Corporation, Kayode Opeifa, confirmed the derailment in a statement.
He said the incident happened around 10:30–11:09 a.m. near Asham, between Kubwa Station and Asham Station on the Abuja–Kaduna rail line.
According to preliminary information, the train was involved in a rear impact that affected a locomotive and a passenger coach, leading to a sudden jolt and partial derailment.
Opeifa noted that an investigation has been launched to determine the exact cause, including possible coupling or technical issues.
Eyewitness Sada Malumfashi, a passenger on board, said there was a loud bang before the train came to a violent halt.
He described how people were flung from their seats, with many suffering cuts and severe injuries as they hit the walls and floors of the coach.
Videos and photos shared online show derailed coaches with visible dents and damaged metal along the track.
Emergency responders and railway officials were seen at the scene assessing the situation and assisting passengers.
The NRC confirmed that, as of the time of its statement, no deaths had been recorded from the incident.
Injured passengers were taken back to Idu Train Station in Abuja, where they received first aid and further medical attention.
Passengers reported that the train remained stationary for about 30 minutes after the impact before it was able to move slowly and continue towards Kubwa.
Rail services on the Abuja–Kaduna route were temporarily disrupted as safety checks and recovery efforts got underway.
The NRC assured the public that rescue operations were quickly activated, with medical teams and security personnel deployed to the area.
The corporation also appealed to commuters for calm, promising to release more detailed findings once the investigation progresses.
Monday’s incident adds to past safety concerns on the Abuja–Kaduna rail corridor, which has previously experienced derailments and security attacks.
Safety agencies are expected to review technical, operational and maintenance practices on the route to prevent a repeat.
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