The Nigerian Safety inquiry Bureau (NSIB) has begun a thorough inquiry into what went wrong after an operational mishap involving a train carrying 429 passengers along the Abuja–Kaduna rail line occurred close to Asham Station, ENigeria Newspaper has learnt.
The train, designated as KA2, was traveling from Rigasa Railway Station in Kaduna to Idu Station in Abuja when the issue arose soon after it left Jere Station in the morning, according to the agency.
ENigeria Newsaper gathered that before the disturbance along the Jere–Asham line, the train had arrived at Jere Station at approximately 08:52 a.m. and departed again at 08:59 a.m., according to a statement written by the NSIB’s Director of Public Affairs and Family Assistance, Funke Arowojobe.
According to preliminary information, the train was traveling down a downhill track when the rear locomotive separated. After that, the detached engine rolled forward and collided with the coaches’ rear part.
Two locomotives, one power car, two business-class coaches, and six regular passenger coaches made up the train formation at the time of the incident. In addition to the passengers, the train carried 24 security guards and 46 crew members.
Authorities verified that no lives were lost despite the accident within the train configuration. However, before additional assistance was scheduled, Nigerian Railway Corporation employees and security officers provided first aid to a few injured passengers. Following the incident, the train continued its journey and eventually arrived at Idu Station in Abuja at around 10:39 a.m., where additional assistance was provided to those affected.
Commenting on the development, NSIB Director-General Alex Badeh Jr. said the bureau had begun a detailed inquiry to determine the root cause of the occurrence. He explained that investigators would review operational records and other evidence as part of efforts to improve rail safety nationwide.
