SIX INJURED AS ABUJA-KADUNA TRAIN DERAILS, INVESTIGATION UNDERWAY
A Kaduna-bound passenger train traveling along the busy Abuja-Kaduna rail corridor derailed on Tuesday morning, leaving six people injured and sparking widespread concern. The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) confirmed the incident, which took place at 11:09 a.m. at KM 49 between Kubwa Station and Asham Station, near Abuja.
In a statement issued by Mrs. Bimbo Oladeji, NSIB’s Director of Public Affairs and Family Assistance, the bureau expressed sympathy for the injured passengers and extended support to all affected. According to Oladeji, "Current information indicates that six individuals sustained injuries, but thankfully, there were no fatalities."
The derailment caused chaos as passengers scrambled for safety, with eyewitnesses describing the scene as alarming and disorganized. Many passengers initially feared the worst, recalling past security incidents along the same corridor. Emergency responders were swiftly deployed to the site, and those injured were treated on-site before being transported to nearby hospitals for further care.
The Director-General of NSIB, Capt. Alex Badeh, assured the public of a thorough investigation into the derailment. "We have deployed a team of investigators to the site to gather evidence, engage stakeholders, and uncover the root cause of this accident. Our commitment is to ensure safer rail transport for Nigerians through transparent, independent investigations," Badeh stated.
The NSIB noted that its investigation would focus on identifying the direct and underlying factors behind the derailment, with the ultimate goal of issuing safety recommendations to prevent future occurrences. The bureau emphasized its role as a multimodal transport agency dedicated to promoting safety across Nigeria’s transport networks.
The Abuja-Kaduna rail line, inaugurated in 2016, has been a popular alternative to traveling by road, which is often plagued by insecurity and traffic accidents. However, the line has faced disruptions over the years, including the infamous 2022 terrorist attack that left many passengers wary of its safety.
While no fatalities were recorded in Tuesday's derailment, the incident serves as a reminder of the urgent need to strengthen rail infrastructure and safety measures. Updates on the investigation are expected as the NSIB team continues its work at the site.
