How Kaduna-Abuja Train crash happened – NRC Explains

The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) has provided details on the train accident involving passengers travelling from Kaduna to Abuja on Monday, which left 26 people injured.

The NRC Managing Director, Kayode Opeifa, explained the incident during a guest appearance on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief.

“At about 9:16 am, the attached engine detached and hit the power car supplying electricity to the train. This, in turn, struck the lands coach SP-006, causing a shutdown,” Opeifa said.

He added that only one engine was available at the time, while protocol requires two engines. “We had to move the back of the engine ahead of the train for it to continue to Abuja. When we got to Ojere, the engine was reattached, and the train resumed its journey towards Asham and Idu,” he explained.

The NRC said passengers were delayed for 30 minutes while the accidented locomotive was removed. Those seriously injured were taken to a hospital in Kubwa, while others were moved to Idu.

Recurring accidents along the Abuja-Kaduna rail corridor have prompted the Senate to launch a nationwide probe into the rail system. The investigation will include public hearings to determine the root causes of derailments and assess the condition of rail infrastructure and imported materials used in the sector.