NRC Reports No Fatalities After Train Incident Near Asha

The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) has confirmed that a train incident occurred on Monday morning near Asham along the Abuja–Kaduna rail corridor, stating that no fatalities were recorded.

In a statement issued by the managing director and chief executive officer of the Corporation, Kayode Opeifa, the railway authority explained that the incident happened at about 10:30 a.m. and involved a rear locomotive and a passenger coach.

“The management of the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) wishes to confirm that an avoidable train incident occurred at about 10:30 a.m. today near Asham, involving a rear locomotive and a passenger coach,” the statement said.

According to the corporation, preliminary findings suggest that the incident occurred due to a coupling issue involving the rear locomotive.

“Preliminary reports indicate that the rear locomotive made contact with the rear immediately next to it (rear) due to a coupling issue,” Opeifa said.

The NRC noted that some passengers sustained injuries during the incident but were quickly attended to and taken to a nearby medical facility for treatment.

“Some passengers sustained injuries and were promptly attended to and taken to a nearby medical facility for proper medical care. No fatalities were recorded,” the statement added.

The Corporation said emergency response protocols were immediately activated following the incident, with technical teams deployed to the scene.

It also disclosed that the Safety Investigation Bureau had been mobilised to the location to carry out a comprehensive investigation.

“Emergency response protocols were immediately activated, and relevant technical teams have been mobilized to the location. The Safety Investigation Bureau (SIB) is also on site to conduct a thorough investigation into the incident in line with established safety procedures,” Opeifa said.

The NRC further explained that the train later arrived at Idu Station at about 10:39 a.m., arriving 38 minutes behind schedule after time was taken to remove the affected locomotive and coach.

“The train arrived Idu station at about 10.39am, 38 minutes behind schedule due to time allowed to remove the incident rear locomotive and coach SP 0006,” the statement said.

Reassuring passengers and the public, the corporation emphasised that safety remains its top priority and that steps are being taken to prevent a recurrence.

“The Corporation assures the public that safety remains its top priority, and all necessary measures are being taken to address the situation and ensure the continued safe operation of train services,” Opeifa stated.

He added that further updates would be communicated as more information becomes available.