Abuja–Kaduna Train Incident Leaves 22 Injured, Passengers Describe Terrifying Ordeal

At least 22 passengers were injured and hundreds stranded after a train incident on the Abuja–Kaduna rail corridor near Asham on Monday. Rail operations were temporarily suspended as authorities worked to restore services.

Passengers recounted harrowing experiences during the incident, highlighting the urgent need for improved safety protocols.

“We felt a heavy jolt from the rear, and people started screaming,” said Mr Ibrahim Musa, a passenger aboard the affected train. “It was confusing because many of us initially thought it was a collision with another train.” Musa urged the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) to prioritise routine inspections, particularly during locomotive coupling.

Mrs Grace Daniel, another passenger, described panic on board, particularly in the rear coach where most injuries occurred. “Some passengers fell on each other during the impact. It was scary, especially for children and elderly people,” she said. Daniel called for better passenger communication and safety briefings before departures.

An NRC official in Kaduna, speaking anonymously, explained that the incident was caused by a technical issue during the attachment of a backup locomotive, not a head-on collision. The rear locomotive reportedly struck the power car and the last passenger coach.

“Investigations are ongoing to determine the exact cause and prevent future occurrences,” the official said, adding that the corporation is reviewing operational procedures and reinforcing staff training to strengthen safety measures.

The incident underscores ongoing concerns over railway safety in Nigeria and the importance of stringent technical checks to protect passengers.