The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) has confirmed that a train incident occurred on Monday morning near Asham along the Abuja–Kaduna rail corridor, stating that no fatalities were recorded.
According to the corporation, the incident happened at about 10:30 a.m. while the train was travelling between Kaduna and Abuja. The situation involved a rear locomotive and a passenger coach attached to it during the journey.
The Managing Director of the NRC explained that the incident was caused by a coupling issue that developed between the rear locomotive and the coach directly behind it. Preliminary findings indicated that the locomotive made contact with the passenger coach after the coupling mechanism malfunctioned.
Several passengers sustained injuries during the incident. Railway officials said those affected were promptly attended to before being transported to nearby medical facilities for proper treatment. Authorities confirmed that none of the passengers or crew members died as a result of the occurrence.
Emergency response protocols were immediately activated by the railway corporation after the incident. Technical teams were deployed to the location to assess the situation, manage the affected equipment and ensure the safety of passengers.
Investigators from the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau were also dispatched to the scene to conduct a detailed examination of the circumstances surrounding the incident. The investigation will focus on technical, operational and safety factors that may have contributed to the problem.
Officials stated that the affected train eventually continued its journey and arrived at Idu Station in Abuja at about 10:39 a.m., approximately 38 minutes behind schedule, after the damaged rear locomotive and coach were removed.
The railway corporation reassured passengers and the general public that safety remains a priority and that measures are being taken to prevent similar incidents in the future. Authorities also said further updates would be provided as investigations progress.
