A passenger train traveling from Kaduna to Abuja derailed Monday morning, injuring multiple passengers and disrupting rail services along the critical corridor. The accident occurred near the Kubwa district of the Federal Capital Territory at approximately 8:30 a.m. local time.
Incident Details Emerge
The Nigerian Railway Corporation confirmed the derailment in a brief statement issued two hours after the accident. “We can confirm that the morning train from Kaduna experienced a technical malfunction that led to the derailment of three passenger coaches,” said Fidet Okhiria, managing director of the corporation. “Emergency protocols were activated immediately, and rescue teams arrived at the scene within 30 minutes.”
Furthermore, witnesses reported hearing a loud noise before several coaches left the tracks. “I heard a screeching sound, then a bang,” said Musa Abdullahi, a passenger who was traveling in an unaffected coach. “People started shouting, and then we realized some coaches had gone off the rails.”
Emergency Response Underway
Rescue personnel from the Federal Fire Service, National Emergency Management Agency, and FCT Emergency Management Agency rushed to the site. Ambulances transported injured passengers to nearby hospitals, including the National Hospital in Abuja and Kubwa General Hospital.
In addition, police officers secured the area to prevent looting and maintain order. “Our officers arrived at 9:05 a.m. and established a perimeter around the accident site,” said Sunday Utiche, commissioner of police for the Federal Capital Territory. “We are working with railway officials to preserve evidence for the investigation.”
Casualty Figures Unclear
Hospital officials provided conflicting accounts of the casualty toll. A spokesperson for the National Hospital, Dr. Segun Adebayo, stated that 12 patients received treatment for minor injuries. “All patients are stable, and most have been discharged,” he said. However, Kubwa General Hospital reported admitting eight additional patients with moderate injuries.
Meanwhile, the Nigerian Railway Corporation declined to provide a comprehensive casualty figure, citing the ongoing rescue operation. “We will release verified numbers once all passengers have been accounted for,” Okhiria said.
Service Disruption Announced
The corporation suspended all train services between Kaduna and Abuja indefinitely. “Passengers with tickets for upcoming journeys should contact our customer service centers for refunds or rescheduling,” the corporation announced through its official social media channels.
Consequently, travelers scrambled to find alternative transportation. Motor parks in Kaduna and Abuja reported increased passenger traffic as road transport became the only available option between the cities.
Investigation Launched
The Federal Ministry of Transportation ordered an immediate investigation into the cause of the derailment. “A technical team will examine the tracks, rolling stock, and operational procedures to determine what led to this incident,” said Mu’azu Sambo, minister of transportation, in a press release issued Monday afternoon.
Moreover, the ministry requested assistance from international rail safety experts. “We have contacted the International Union of Railways to provide independent technical support for this investigation,” Sambo said.
