Six passengers sustained injuries on Tuesday after a Kaduna-bound train derailed at KM 49 between Kubwa Station and Asham Station, the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has confirmed.
The incident, which happened around 11:09 a.m. shortly after the train left Abuja, threw passengers into panic as the coaches went off track. Eyewitnesses described the scene as chaotic and terrifying, with one passenger recounting that the train went off the tracks without warning, forcing many to scramble out of the affected cabins.
Confirming the accident, the NSIB said a go-team has been deployed to the site to gather evidence, engage stakeholders, and commence an investigation into the cause of the derailment.
According to a statement signed by the Director, Public Affairs and Family Assistance, Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau, Bimbo Olawumi Oladeji, the derailment occurred at KM 49 between Kubwa and Asham stations, leaving six passengers injured but no deaths recorded.
The statement read in parts, “Current information available indicates that six persons sustained injuries, and no recorded fatalities. A go-team has been deployed to the site to gather evidence, engage relevant stakeholders, and commence an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the accident.
“The Bureau sympathises with those injured and extends its support to all passengers affected. The investigation will focus on identifying the direct and underlying factors that led to the derailment, with the aim of issuing safety recommendations to prevent a recurrence.”
Also commenting through the statement, the Director General of NSIB, Captain Alex Badeh, expressed the Bureau’s sympathy and commitment to unraveling the root cause.
“We deeply sympathise with all who sustained injuries. The Bureau has deployed investigators to the site to ensure the root cause of this derailment is uncovered.
“Our commitment is to ensure safer rail transport for Nigerians through a transparent and independent investigation.”
The NSIB assured that updates would be provided as the investigation progresses.
