A passenger train travelling from Abuja to Kaduna derailed on Tuesday morning, leaving several carriages overturned and triggering panic among those on board. The incident occurred around 11:09 am at KM 49 between Kubwa Station and Asham Station.
According to eyewitnesses, the derailment happened without warning, causing confusion and chaos as passengers rushed out of the affected cabins. 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, who simply identified himself as Abubakar, said.
The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau confirmed that six passengers sustained injuries in the incident, although no fatalities were recorded. A team of investigators has been deployed to the site to gather evidence and begin an investigation into the accident.
“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. “Our commitment is to ensure safer rail transport for Nigerians through a transparent and independent investigation.”
The Nigerian Railway Corporation confirmed the derailment and stated that emergency services had been activated to respond promptly to the situation. “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 immediate rescue operations. “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.
The incident is being jointly investigated by federal railway officials, security agencies, and emergency responders to determine whether it was caused by technical failure, poor maintenance, or sabotage. Former Kaduna Central Senator Shehu Sani blamed negligence by authorities for the derailment, citing consistent complaints from passengers about security and safety on the corridor.
The Abuja-Kaduna train corridor has faced repeated disruptions over the years, including a terrorist attack in March 2022 that left several dead and many abducted. Tuesday’s derailment has rekindled fears among residents and passengers who depend on the train service as a safer alternative to the Abuja-Kaduna expressway.
President Bola Tinubu also expressed sadness over the derailment. In a statement released on his X account, Tinubu said he was monitoring the situation even while in Brazil. “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 said.
He added that he has been receiving updates and is awaiting a full briefing to ensure swift action. “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.
The National Emergency Management Agency, however, stated that seven passengers were injured in the train derailment, adding that they received immediate first aid at the scene before being transferred to a hospital for further treatment.
This was disclosed in a press statement signed by NEMA’s Head of Press Unit, Manzo Ezekiel on Tuesday. The statement also noted that the Director-General of the agency, Mrs Zubaida Umar, led the agency’s rescue team to the site of a train derailment along the Abuja–Kaduna rail line.
NEMA explained, “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.
“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.
“Further information on the cause of the accident will be provided by investigators from the Ministry of Transportation, whose acting Permanent Secretary was also present at the site of the derailment,” it stated.
