Tension gripped passengers on Tuesday after a Kaduna-bound train derailed at KM 49, between Kubwa and Asham stations, overturning several coaches and leaving casualties in its wake.
Eyewitnesses told SaharaReporters that at least one passenger died during the incident. The victim, who was reportedly in the toilet at the time of the crash, did not make it out alive. “One person died on the train while some people were injured,” an eyewitness recounted.
Authorities had earlier disclosed that six passengers sustained varying degrees of injuries during the derailment. The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has since confirmed the development, adding that a team of investigators had been deployed to the scene to gather evidence, interact with stakeholders, and begin a full probe.
In a statement, NSIB spokesperson, Bimbo Olawumi Oladeji, said the investigation would focus on uncovering both the immediate and underlying causes of the derailment, with the aim of preventing future occurrences. The Bureau also expressed sympathy for the victims, stressing its commitment to ensuring safer rail travel for Nigerians.
NSIB Director-General, Captain Alex Badeh, described the incident as tragic, assuring that the Bureau’s investigators would leave no stone unturned. “We deeply sympathise with all who sustained injuries. Our commitment is to ensure safer rail transport for Nigerians through a transparent and independent investigation,” he said.
The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) also confirmed the derailment in a statement signed by its Managing Director, Kayode Opeifa. The NRC disclosed that the crash occurred at about 11:09 am and that emergency rescue teams, including medical personnel, were immediately mobilised to the site.
The incident once again raises serious safety concerns on the Abuja–Kaduna rail corridor, which has in recent years witnessed both security attacks and technical mishaps.
