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.
