Passenger Narrates How Abuja-Kaduna Train Derailed

By EJIKE EJIKE, AZA MSUE, NONYE EKWENUGO

A passenger on the Kaduna-Abuja-bound train said the train jolted immediately after a loud bang.

Sada Malumfashi took to social media to explain what happened Monday morning when he was on a train from Kaduna to Abuja.

Malumfashi said he heard a loud bang before the train suddenly jolted to a stop.

“We heard a loud bang and the train jolted to a stop, flinging people across. Passengers got hit, many were bleeding,” he said.

According to Malumfashi, the train remained stationary for about 30 minutes before resuming its journey towards Kubwa.

He also complained that there was no immediate communication from the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) regarding the incident.

Meanwhile, the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has said 429 passengers escaped death in the incident.

LEADERSHIP reports that this is the second time in seven months that the Abuja-Kaduna train service has been derailing.

Recall that on August 26, 2025, at approximately 11:07 hours, a passenger train operated by the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) with eight coaches and two locomotives, operating the Abuja–Kaduna service (AK1), registration CDD5C2 2701, derailed at Asham Train Station.

Out of 583 passengers and crew, 12 sustained minor to moderate injuries; no fatalities were reported. The derailment caused significant damage to tracks, sleepers, and switching mechanisms, leading to a temporary suspension of services along the corridor.

Speaking on this incident, NSIB’s director, public affairs and family assistance, Mrs Funke Arowojobe, said investigators from the Bureau have commenced evidence gathering and analysis to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident.

She noted that the investigation would examine technical, operational, and infrastructure factors, including train configuration, locomotive attachment systems, operational procedures, and relevant operational data.

She further noted, “The occurrence took place at approximately 09:16 hours along the Jere–Asham section near Asham Station in Kaduna State. The section of track where the event occurred is located on a downward gradient.

The train, identified as KA2, departed Rigasa Railway Station in Kaduna at the commencement of its scheduled journey to Idu Station in Abuja. The train operated within the scheduled service window of 07:15 to 10:01 and arrived at Jere Station at 08:52 before departing again at 08:59 to continue the journey toward Abuja.

“Upon arrival at Jere Station, a rear locomotive was attached to the train to provide additional operational support for the onward movement along the corridor. Shortly after departure from Jere station, the rear locomotive became detached while the train proceeded along the downward gradient toward the Asham section. The detached locomotive subsequently rolled forward and struck the rear portion of the train, resulting in a serious operational occurrence.

At the time of the incident, the train consisted of two locomotives at the front and rear, one power car, two business-class coaches, and six standard passenger coaches. The train conveyed 429 passengers. Onboard personnel included 46 crewmembers and 24 security personnel assigned to the service.

No fatalities were recorded, but some passengers sustained injuries.”

Commenting on the incident, the director general of the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau, Captain Alex Badeh Jr., expressed concern for the affected passengers and reaffirmed the Bureau’s commitment to uncovering the facts behind the occurrence.

Meanwhile, the managing director of the Nigerian Railway Corporation, Kayode Opeifa, told journalists that after the incident on Monday, the train service on the route had resumed.

He, however, stated that no lives were lost and that the injured passengers were taken to Abuja for medical attention.

He also said that the NRC is currently conducting an investigation to determine the exact cause of the incident.