How Abuja–Kaduna train derailed – Eye Witness

A passenger on the Kaduna-to-Abuja train has shared his experience after the train derailed on Monday morning.

Sada Malumfashi said the incident happened suddenly. According to him, passengers heard a loud bang before the train shook violently and came to an abrupt stop.

The impact caused many people to be thrown from their seats, leaving some injured and bleeding.

He added that the train remained still for about 30 minutes before it continued its journey toward Kubwa.

Malumfashi also complained that there was no immediate explanation from the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) about what had happened.

Meanwhile, the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) confirmed that 429 passengers were on board and all survived the incident, although some people were injured.

This is the second time in seven months that the Abuja–Kaduna train service has derailed.

A similar incident happened on August 26, 2025, when a train went off track near Asham Station. At that time, 12 people were injured, but no one died.

The NSIB said it has started an investigation to find out the cause of the latest incident. The agency will look into technical issues, train operations, and the condition of the railway infrastructure.

According to the bureau, the train left Rigasa Station in Kaduna and was heading to Idu Station in Abuja.

After stopping briefly at Jere Station, an extra locomotive was attached to the train.

Shortly after departure, the rear locomotive became detached while the train was moving downhill. It then rolled forward and hit the back of the train, causing the accident.

The train had two locomotives, one power car, two business-class coaches, and six standard coaches. There were also crew members and security personnel on board.

The Director-General of the NSIB, Captain Alex Badeh Jr., expressed concern for the injured passengers and said the agency is committed to finding out exactly what went wrong.

The Managing Director of the NRC, Kayode Opeifa, confirmed that no lives were lost. He said injured passengers were taken to Abuja for treatment and that train services on the route have resumed.

Authorities say investigations are ongoing to determine the exact cause of the derailment.

Source: Leadership