Abuja-Kaduna train derails as passengers scramble for safety; NRC confirms incident, suspend services
A passenger train on the Abuja–Kaduna rail line has derailed, sparking panic as some coaches went off track and passengers scrambled to safety.
The train reportedly departed Abuja at 9:45 this morning, with the incident occurring around Asham along the corridor.
The incident occurred at 11:09 a.m., shortly after the train departed Abuja, at Kilometre 49 between Kubwa and Asham stations, according to the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC).
As at the time of this account though no casualties have been officially reported, Tuesday’s derailment has reignited worries about the safety of rail travel in the country.
In a statement signed by NRC Managing Director, Kayode Opeifa, the corporation confirmed the derailment and assured the public that emergency response teams including medical personnel and nearby hospitals, had been mobilized.
“Full complement of security already on ground as effort is ongoing to move all passengers on train back to Abuja safely,” Opeifa stated, adding that investigations into the cause of the derailment were underway.
Meanwhile, the Corporation has announced the suspension of train operations on the Abuja-Kaduna corridor Tuesday.
NRC Managing Director, Kayode Opeifa announced this while briefing Journalists in Abuja after the incident, disclosing that services will remain suspended until the conclusion of investigations and assurance of safety, noting that refunds have been processed for all passengers affected by the disruption.
He said technical teams from the Corporation, officials of the Nigeria Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) and other relevant agencies were already at the scene to determine the cause of the derailment and ensure that preventive measures were put in place.
Eyewitnesses described scenes of chaos, with passengers scrambling to safety amid confusion and fear.
One passenger, who managed to contact family after the derailment, said: “People were running in different directions, not knowing what might happen next. It was terrifying.”
Security sources disclosed that military personnel were quickly deployed to the site to secure the area and help evacuate passengers.
The Abuja-Kaduna rail line, one of Nigeria’s busiest, has previously been the subject of public concern following security breaches and operational challenges.
Passengers have since been evacuated, while NRC officials continue to assess the situation.
This marks the latest in a string of rail-related disruptions along the Abuja–Kaduna route, the most recent being a hot axle incident recorded near Rigasa Station just last week.
