Probe begins after Kaduna–Abuja train incident injures passengers

Authorities have launched an investigation after a passenger train operating on the Kaduna–Abuja rail corridor was involved in an accident on Monday, leaving several passengers injured.

The incident occurred near the Asham section of the rail line in Kaduna State while the train was travelling from Rigasa Railway Station to Idu Railway Station.

The Nigerian Railway Corporation confirmed that the accident happened at about 10:30 a.m. and involved the rear locomotive and the passenger coach directly attached to it after a coupling failure.

Although no fatalities were recorded, several passengers sustained injuries ranging from minor to serious and were taken to nearby hospitals for treatment.

Managing Director of the corporation, Kayode Opeifa, said emergency response procedures were immediately activated, with technical teams dispatched to the scene to manage the situation.

He added that after the damaged rear locomotive and coach were detached, the train eventually continued its journey and arrived at Idu Station in Abuja at about 10:39 a.m., roughly 38 minutes behind schedule.

“The management of the Nigerian Railway Corporation wishes to confirm that an avoidable train incident occurred near Asham involving a rear locomotive and a passenger coach due to a coupling issue,” Opeifa said, noting that injured passengers received prompt medical attention.

Meanwhile, the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau has commenced a full investigation to determine the cause of the incident.

In a statement signed by its Director of Public Affairs and Family Assistance, Funke Arowojobe, the bureau said the train, identified as KA2, departed Rigasa Station and arrived at Jere Station at about 8:52 a.m. before continuing toward the Federal Capital Territory.

However, shortly after leaving the station, the rear locomotive that had been attached at Jere for operational support reportedly detached while the train was descending toward the Asham section of the track.

Investigators said the detached locomotive rolled forward and struck the rear portion of the train, leading to the operational incident.

At the time of the accident, the train consisted of two locomotives positioned at the front and rear, a power car, two business class coaches and six standard passenger coaches.

According to the bureau, the train was carrying 429 passengers, along with 46 crew members and 24 security personnel.

Director-General of the bureau, Alex Badeh Jr., expressed concern for the injured passengers and emphasised the need to determine the root causes of the accident.

“This incident reminds us that every transport journey carries the trust and expectations of hundreds of people who rely on the system to move them safely to their destination,” he said.

Badeh noted that investigators had begun gathering evidence and analysing technical, operational and infrastructure factors, including locomotive attachment systems, train configuration and operational procedures.

He added that the outcome of the investigation would help strengthen safety measures and improve railway operations across the country.

The latest incident comes months after another accident occurred along the same corridor in September 2025, when a train somersaulted and left 21 passengers injured.