A passenger train traveling from Abuja to Kaduna derailed on Tuesday morning, sparking panic and leaving at least six passengers injured.
The accident occurred around 11:09 am at KM 49, between Kubwa and Asham stations, overturning several carriages and causing chaos as frightened passengers scrambled to safety.
“It was complete pandemonium. People who managed to escape ran in different directions. Everyone was terrified,” recalled Abubakar, one of the passengers.
The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) confirmed the derailment, saying six passengers were injured, while the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) later reported seven. Victims received first aid before being transferred to hospitals.
Capt. Alex Badeh, NSIB Director-General, assured Nigerians that investigators were on site to determine the cause of the derailment, promising transparency in the probe.
The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) said emergency responders, security operatives, and medical personnel were immediately mobilized, adding that efforts were ongoing to safely return stranded passengers to Abuja.
Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State expressed sympathy to victims and directed emergency services to provide all necessary support. Former Kaduna senator Shehu Sani blamed negligence, citing longstanding complaints about safety on the corridor.
President Bola Tinubu, in a statement from Brazil, described the incident as distressing. “I am deeply saddened by this incident. My heartfelt prayers are with the injured, their families, and all passengers who went through this experience,” he wrote on X (formerly Twitter).
The Abuja-Kaduna train service has faced multiple security and operational challenges, including a terrorist attack in 2022 that killed several and left many abducted. Tuesday’s derailment has reignited concerns over safety on the busy corridor.
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