A Abuja-Kaduna-bound train derailed at the Jere area of the FCT on Tuesday at approximately 11:09 a.m. The incident occurred at KM 49, between Kubwa Station and Asham Station, causing several carriages to overturn and sparking panic among passengers.
The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau has confirmed that six passengers sustained injuries in the accident.
According to a statement signed by Director, Public Affairs and Family Assistance, Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau, Bimbo Olawumi Oladeji, on Tuesday, the accident took place at KM 49, between Kubwa Station and Asham Station. Current information indicates that six passengers sustained injuries, though no fatalities were recorded.
The Nigerian Railway Corporation, NRC, has announced the suspension of train operations on the Abuja-Kaduna corridor following Sunday’s derailment incident.
Managing Director of the NRC, Kayode Opeifa, confirmed the development during a press briefing in Abuja, stressing that services will remain suspended until investigations are concluded and safety is assured.
According to him, technical teams from the NRC, officials of the Nigeria Safety Investigation Bureau, NSIB, and other relevant agencies are already at the scene to determine the cause of the derailment and ensure preventive measures are put in place.
Opeifa dismissed speculations suggesting that the trains were poorly maintained, noting that the corporation has consistently adhered to safety standards. He also disclosed that refunds have been processed for all passengers affected by the disruption.
The NRC boss also revealed that six passengers sustained minor injuries during the incident and have since received medical attention. However, he explained that the total number of passengers on board at the time of the derailment was still being verified.
The NSIB also confirmed that a go-team has been deployed to the site to collect evidence, interact with stakeholders, and begin investigating the circumstances that led to the derailment.
The statement read in parts, “Current information available indicates that six persons sustained injuries, and no recorded fatalities. A go-team has been deployed to the site to gather evidence, engage relevant stakeholders, and commence an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the accident.
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“The Bureau sympathises with those injured and extends its support to all passengers affected. The investigation will focus on identifying the direct and underlying factors that led to the derailment, with the aim of issuing safety recommendations to prevent a recurrence,” the statement read.
Director General of NSIB, Captain Alex Badeh while commenting on the incident, also said through the statement that,
“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.
“Our commitment is to ensure safer rail transport for Nigerians through a transparent and independent investigation.”
The Bureau assured that updates would be provided as the investigation progresses.
The incident was reported to have occurred along the busy corridor shortly after the train left Abuja around 11 a.m. on its way to Kaduna.
The derailment threw passengers into panic, forcing many to flee for safety, while eyewitnesses described the scene as chaotic and terrifying.
One passenger recounted that the train went off the tracks without warning, sparking confusion as people scrambled out of the affected cabins.