NRC confirms train incident near Asham, says no fatalities recorded

The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) has confirmed that a train incident occurred on Monday morning near Asham, involving a rear locomotive and a passenger coach, but said no fatalities were recorded.

The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the NRC, Dr. Kayode Opeifa, disclosed this in a statement, noting that the incident happened at about 10:30 a.m. and was caused by a coupling problem between the locomotive and the adjacent passenger coach.

Opeifa said the situation was avoidable and that immediate response measures were activated to address it.

“The management of the Nigerian Railway Corporation 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 next to it due to a coupling issue,” Opeifa said.

He explained that some passengers sustained injuries during the incident but were promptly attended to and taken to a nearby medical facility for proper 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,” he stated.

According to him, the corporation immediately activated its emergency response protocols, while technical teams were deployed to the scene to manage the situation and restore normal operations.

Opeifa added that the Safety Investigation Bureau (SIB) had also been deployed to the location to conduct a detailed investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident.

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

The NRC chief further disclosed that the affected train eventually arrived at Idu Station at about 10:39 a.m., running 38 minutes behind schedule due to the time required to remove the affected rear locomotive and the passenger coach identified as SP 0006.

Opeifa reassured passengers and the public that safety remains a top priority for the corporation and that necessary 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,” he added.

He said further details would be communicated as investigations progress.