According to the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC), an accident involving the Kaduna–Abuja train on Monday resulted in at least 26 passengers and staff members suffering varied degrees of injuries. 

This was disclosed by the Corporation in an interim report that NRC Managing Director Kayode Opeifa released on Monday. 

According to Opeifa, the train left Rigasa in Kaduna at 7:15 a.m. and was getting close to Asham station at 9:16 a.m. when the power car and trailing locomotive struck one of the passenger coaches, causing a loud bang. 

He said that investigations were still on and that the event, which happened between kilometers 50 and 51, was probably caused by a problem with one or more couplers.

He stated there was no evidence of a derailment. The impacted parts were removed from the train after the incident before the trip could continue.

“Two vehicles and the trailing locomotive involved in the incident were subsequently detached: Loco 2809, power car BVA0002, and passenger coach SP0006,” the report stated.

The NRC boss noted that the train eventually arrived in Kubwa, Abuja, at 10:10 a.m. and completed its trip to Idu station in Abuja at 10:39 a.m., 38 minutes behind schedule.

“Passengers: 459 passengers booked to travel and 429 actually boarded (itinerary retrieved from the ticketing platform). Train Crew: 10 train crew, including O&C and Mechanical/Electrical, Security: 26 security personnel, including Man O War. 6 food vendors, 8 Cleaners, 2 (Nurse and TPS operative),” the report indicated.

According to Opeifa, 26 individuals—passengers, medical staff, cleaners, and security guards—were injured to varied degrees. 

The Corporation reported that later in the day, services resumed despite the interruption.

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