Abuja-Kaduna Train Accident: 21 Hurt, None Killed

Abuja–Kaduna Train Accident: 21 Hurt, None Killed

 

The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) yesterday confirmed that 21 passengers sustained injuries during the Abuja–Kaduna train derailment at Asham Station on August 26, 2025. No lives were lost.

 

In its preliminary report, the Bureau said the locomotive, with registration number CDD5c2 2701, had departed Idu Station, Abuja, at 9:45 a.m. for Rigasa, Kaduna, carrying 618 passengers, including crew members of the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC), security operatives and service staff.

 

“At about 11:09 a.m., shortly after passing a manually operated switch point at Asham Station, the leading locomotive and adjoining coaches derailed and overturned. Twenty-one passengers sustained varying degrees of injury, but no fatalities were recorded,” the NSIB stated.

 

The agency explained that the findings and initial safety recommendations are contained in the preliminary report now available on its website, adding that the document represents early outcomes and is subject to further review. The final report, it said, will provide detailed conclusions and recommendations to enhance rail safety.

 

On its part, the NRC, in a statement on Tuesday, blamed the derailment on human error, citing excessive speeding and misapplication of the emergency braking system.

 

It said engineers had re-railed and recovered all affected locomotives and coaches, which were moved to workshops for technical assessment and repairs.

 

The NRC added that the main line had been repaired to allow safe resumption of train services, but noted that work was still ongoing on the secondary track.

 

“Our engineers are conducting a comprehensive safety and infrastructure audit to ensure the corridor meets the highest standards. Services will not restart until all safety checks are fully cleared. Safety remains our top priority,” the corporation stated.

 

The incident involved a service registered as AK1, with eight coaches and two locomotives.