Passengers escape death as Abuja-Kaduna train derails

A train traveling from Kaduna to Abuja derailed early Thursday, with multiple coaches overturning along the vital rail corridor.

Witnesses according to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reported chaos as passengers hurriedly evacuated the affected cabins, some sustaining minor injuries in the process.

“There was panic everywhere, but thankfully, everyone seemed to get out safely,” an eyewitness recounted to NAN.

No fatalities were reported, and the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) confirmed the absence of casualties.

NRC Managing Director Kayode Opeifa stated in a phone interview, “Yes, it has been confirmed. But there was no any casualty.”

The cause of the derailment remains under investigation, with preliminary theories pointing to vandalism, scavenger activity along the tracks, or mechanical failures like a hot axle.

Emergency teams were deployed to the scene, and authorities are expected to probe the incident thoroughly.

This derailment adds to ongoing concerns about the Abuja-Kaduna rail line, a critical transport artery for thousands.

The route has faced prior disruptions, including a deadly terrorist attack in March 2022 that halted services and a recent technical issue involving a hot axle, as reported by NAN.

As investigations continue, questions linger about the safety and upkeep of this essential railway, prompting calls for urgent reforms to ensure passenger security.