NSIB begins probe as NRC confirms zero fatality
Many passengers were stranded yesterday after a train travelling from Kaduna to Abuja collided with another along the rail track, forcing Nigeria Railway Corporation (NRC) to immediately suspend operations along the route.

While the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has commenced investigation into the incident, NRC confirmed that no fatality was recorded.

The train mishap, which occurred during the busy early morning hours along the Jere axis, raised fresh concerns about the safety procedures and signalling systems used on one of Nigeria’s busiest rail lines.

According to passengers, who spoke on the incident, the train departed Kaduna as scheduled, but later encountered another train on the same track.

However, witnesses described the moment and impact of the accident as sudden, causing both trains to come to an abrupt stop.

“We were moving at a steady pace when a loud bang was heard, and the train suddenly braked,” one passenger said. “We later realised we had hit another train on the same track. Everyone in the train was shaken, as we waited for official information.”

Another passenger, SadaMalumfashi, said: “I just dropped from the Kaduna–Abuja train. We heard a loud bang and the train jolted to a stop, flinging people across. Some passengers were hit and are bleeding with serious injuries.”

However, early reports from witnesses at the scene indicated that although the collision caused notable damage to the front sections of the two trains, there was no confirmation of fatalities.

The Management of NRC also confirmed that an avoidable train incident occurred about 10.30am near Asham, involving a rear locomotive and a passenger coach.

A statement signed by the Managing Director, Kayode Opeifa, said preliminary reports indicate that the rear locomotive made contact with the rear immediately next to it (rear) due to a coupling issue.

The statement noted that some passengers sustained injuries and were promptly taken to a nearby medical facility for proper medical care.

It added that emergency response protocols were immediately activated, and relevant technical teams mobilised to the location, adding that NSIB was also on site for a thorough investigation into the incident in line with established safety procedures.

Security personnel were deployed to the area to assist passengers and secure the site.

Experts noted that such incidents might point to a breakdown in communication between train operators and the control centre, or a malfunction in the automated signalling system.

On the timing of the incident, contrary to an NRC release, NSIB disclosed that the occurrence took place about 9.16a.m. along the Jere–Asham section near Asham Station in Kaduna.

According to NSIB, the train, identified as KA2, departed Rigasa Railway Station in Kaduna at the commencement of its scheduled journey to Idu Station in Abuja.

It reportedly operated within the scheduled service window of 7.15a.m. to 10.01a.m., and arrived at Jere Station about 8.52a.m.before departing again at 8.59a.m .to continue the journey to Abuja.

“Upon arrival at Jere Station, a rear locomotive was attached to the train to provide additional operational support for the onward movement along the corridor. Shortly after departure from Jere station, the rear locomotive became detached while the train proceeded along the downward gradient towards Asham section. The detached locomotive subsequently rolled forward and struck the rear portion of the train, resulting in a serious operational occurrence.

“At the time of the incident, the train consisted of two locomotives positioned at the front and rear, one power car, two business class coaches and six standard passenger coaches,” the NSIB noted.

The Bureau revealed that the train conveyed a total of 429 passengers with onboard personnel, including 46 crew members as well as 24 security personnel assigned to the service.

The Director General of NSIB, Capt. Alex Badeh Jr., expressed concern for the affected passengers and reaffirmed the Bureau’s commitment to uncovering the facts behind the occurrence.

He assured of NSIB’s commitment to working closely with NRC and other relevant agencies to probe the matter.