The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has confirmed that six passengers sustained injuries following a recent accident involving the Abuja-Kaduna train service, one of Nigeria’s busiest rail routes.
In a statement released on Tuesday, the NSIB, Nigeria’s premier agency for investigating transportation accidents, detailed that the incident occurred when the passenger train encountered a technical fault, leading to a partial derailment near the outskirts of Abuja.
Preliminary reports indicate no fatalities were recorded, but the six injured individuals—comprising four adults and two children—were promptly attended to by emergency medical teams at the scene and subsequently transported to a nearby hospital for further treatment.
“The bureau has launched a full-scale investigation to determine the root cause of the accident and assess any contributing factors, including track conditions, signaling systems, and maintenance protocols,” the NSIB statement read.
Officials emphasized that all injured passengers are reported to be in stable condition, with minor injuries ranging from bruises to sprains.
The Abuja-Kaduna rail line, operational since 2016 and managed by the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC), has been a vital link for commuters traveling between the federal capital and Kaduna State.
However, the route has faced recurring challenges, including past derailments attributed to vandalism, overloading, and infrastructure wear.
This latest incident marks the second reported mishap on the line within the past year, raising fresh concerns among passengers and stakeholders about the safety and reliability of Nigeria’s rail network.
Eyewitnesses described the scene as chaotic, with the train coming to an abrupt halt after a loud jolt was heard, prompting quick evacuation efforts by onboard staff.
Social media footage circulating online showed emergency responders and NRC personnel working to secure the area and assist passengers.
The NSIB has urged the public to remain calm while assuring that the investigation will be thorough and transparent, with findings expected to inform recommendations for enhancing rail safety across the country.
The NRC, in a separate statement, expressed regret over the incident and committed to cooperating fully with the probe, while also announcing temporary speed restrictions on the route pending clearance.
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