Panic as Abuja–Kaduna Passenger Train Derails, Injures Several

A passenger train traveling from Abuja to Kaduna derailed on Tuesday morning, overturning several carriages and sparking panic among passengers. The incident occurred at about 11:09 a.m. at KM 49, between Kubwa Station and Asham Station.

Eyewitnesses said the derailment happened suddenly, leaving passengers scrambling for safety. “It was complete pandemonium. People who managed to escape were seen running in all directions. It was pure panic,” said one passenger, Abubakar. At least six passengers were initially confirmed injured.

The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) later confirmed the derailment, noting that six passengers sustained injuries, though no fatalities were recorded. Investigators have been deployed to the site to determine the cause of the accident. “We deeply sympathise with all who sustained injuries,” NSIB Director-General, Capt. Alex Badeh, said in a statement. “Our investigators are already on ground to uncover the root cause, with a firm commitment to ensuring safer rail transport for Nigerians.”

The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) also confirmed the incident, assuring the public that emergency teams responded swiftly. “Emergency rescue teams, medical personnel, and nearby hospitals were mobilised immediately. Full security is already on ground as efforts continue to move all passengers safely back to Abuja” the NRC stated.

Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani expressed sympathy to victims and ordered full-scale rescue operations. “The governor has instructed that every necessary support be extended to passengers to minimise the impact of this unfortunate incident,” said Malam Ahmed Maiyaki, Commissioner-designate for Information.

The derailment is now the subject of a joint investigation by railway officials, emergency responders, and security agencies. Authorities are probing whether it was caused by technical failure, poor maintenance, or possible sabotage. Former Kaduna Central Senator, Shehu Sani, blamed negligence, citing repeated complaints from passengers about safety lapses along the corridor.

The Abuja–Kaduna rail line has a troubled history, having suffered a deadly terrorist attack in March 2022 that left several passengers dead and many abducted. Tuesday’s derailment has reignited concerns among commuters who rely on the train as a safer alternative to the Abuja–Kaduna expressway.

President Bola Tinubu, currently in Brazil, also reacted with sadness. In a post on his official X account, he said: “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.” He added that he was receiving constant updates and awaiting a full briefing to ensure swift action and preventive measures.

The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), however, reported that seven passengers, not six were injured. According to NEMA spokesperson Manzo Ezekiel, the injured received first aid at the site before being transferred to hospitals for further treatment. The agency’s Director-General, Mrs. Zubaida Umar, personally led the rescue team to the derailment site.

NEMA described the operation as a multi-agency effort involving the military, police, immigration, civil defence, and other responders. “Although no lives were lost, seven passengers sustained varying degrees of injury. The rapid response of all agencies ensured a smooth rescue,” the statement said, adding that the Ministry of Transportation would release further details after completing its investigation.