Passengers travelling along the Abuja–Kaduna rail corridor sustained injuries on Monday morning after a train experienced a serious operational incident during the journey.
The incident occurred around 10:30 a.m. near Asham when passengers reported hearing a loud bang before the train jolted violently, throwing several people off their seats and causing panic inside the coaches.
The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) confirmed the incident in a statement issued by its Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Kayode Opeifa. According to the corporation, the situation was caused by a coupling mechanism problem involving the rear locomotive and a passenger coach.
Preliminary findings indicate that the rear locomotive made contact with the coach immediately behind it after the coupling developed a fault. Some passengers sustained injuries during the impact and were quickly attended to before being taken to a nearby medical facility for further treatment.
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The NRC, however, confirmed that no fatalities were recorded.
Emergency response procedures were immediately activated, with technical teams deployed to the scene to manage the situation and ensure passenger safety.
Meanwhile, the National Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has launched an investigation into the incident. In a preliminary report signed by the Director of Public Affairs and Family Assistance, Funke Arowojobe, the bureau explained that the train—identified as KA2—departed Rigasa Railway Station in Kaduna for its scheduled trip to Idu Railway Station in Abuja.
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According to the report, the train was operating within its scheduled time frame of 7:15 a.m. to 10:01 a.m. It arrived at Jere Railway Station at about 8:52 a.m. and departed again at 8:59 a.m. after a rear locomotive was attached to provide additional operational support.
However, shortly after leaving Jere Station, the rear locomotive reportedly detached while the train was travelling along a downward gradient near Asham. The detached locomotive then rolled forward and collided with the rear portion of the train, resulting in what officials described as a serious operational incident.
At the time of the occurrence, the train consisted of two locomotives positioned at the front and rear, a power car, two business-class coaches, and six standard passenger coaches.
Authorities confirmed that 429 passengers, 46 crew members, and 24 security personnel were onboard during the incident.
The NRC assured the public that passenger safety remains its top priority and that necessary measures are being taken to prevent future occurrences. Further updates are expected as investigations continue.
