- NRC Suspends Abuja Kaduna Train Operations Indefinitely After Derailment
- Six passengers injured in derailment
- Opeifa also dismissed claims that the trains were in poor condition
The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) has suspended the Abuja Kaduna train service indefinitely following a derailment on Tuesday.
The Managing Director of NRC, Dr. Kayode Opeifa, announced the suspension in Abuja, disclosing that 618 passengers were on board when the train derailed near Asham station.
EDITOR’S PICK
- Hon. Tobun Unveils Batik Kampala Training for Epe Constituency 1 Residents
- NDLEA Epe Command Seeks Royal Blessings, Partners Orijeru of Igbooye in Fight Against Drug Abuse
- JIAMM Set for 2025 Edition of Special Annual Maulid Nabiy
He confirmed that six passengers sustained injuries but assured that measures were being taken to refund affected passengers.
Opeifa also dismissed claims that the trains were in poor condition.
The Director General of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Hajiya Zubaida Umar, led a rescue team to the accident site, while the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has opened an inquiry to determine the cause.
A NRC source told The Nation that preliminary findings suggest the derailment may have been caused by vandalism or improper fixing of track points.
“According to an official at Asham station, the problem occurred at the point where the tracks intersect. If the points are not properly set and a train passes through, it will derail. It could have been vandalised or poorly fixed. Investigations will determine whether this was an act of sabotage or negligence,” the source said.
The NRC, in a statement via its official X handle (@info_NRC), confirmed the incident:
“The Nigerian Railway Corporation confirms a train derailment involving our Kaduna-bound train service at 11:09 a.m. at KM 49 between Kubwa and Asham stations. Emergency rescue teams, medical personnel and security have been mobilised. Efforts are ongoing to return all passengers to Abuja safely. Kindly bear with us at this moment.”
FURTHER READING
- Abuja to Kaduna Train Derails, Emergency Teams Mobilised
- FAAN Introduces Improved Wheelchair, Support Services at Airports
Click here to watch video of the week
