A passenger train traveling from Abuja to Kaduna experienced a significant derailment on Tuesday morning, causing several carriages to overturn and triggering widespread panic among those on board. The incident occurred shortly after the train departed Abuja around 11 a.m., specifically at approximately 11:09 a.m. at KM 49, located between Kubwa and Asham stations, and reportedly within Jere town, en route to Kaduna.

Passengers described a terrifying and chaotic scene. Reports indicated a loud screech followed by violent shaking, as coaches lifted and fell onto their sides. One passenger recounted, saying, “We just heard a loud screech, then suddenly everything shook. People were screaming as the coaches lifted and fell on their sides.” Another passenger, who was traveling with her two children, expressed her harrowing experience, stating, “Everyone thought the train would somersault completely. We thank God for life.” Amidst the fear and confusion, people scrambled to safety.

Following the incident, military personnel were swiftly deployed to the site to assist in evacuating stranded passengers and securing the area. The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) officially confirmed the derailment of its Kaduna-bound AKTS train service. Kayode Opeifa, the Managing Director of NRC, released a statement acknowledging the event and outlining the immediate response efforts.

Emergency rescue teams, medical personnel, and nearby hospitals were promptly mobilized to the scene. The NRC assured the public that a full complement of security was on the ground, with efforts underway to safely transport all passengers back to Abuja. While initial reports were unclear regarding casualties or injuries, one report later clarified that there were “no injury or fatality.”

The exact cause of the derailment remains unknown, and investigations into the incident are underway. This event has reignited concerns about passenger safety and the overall reliability of Nigeria’s rail network. The NRC has appealed for patience from passengers and the general public as rescue operations continue and has promised to provide further updates. It was also recalled that another derailment on the Abuja-Kaduna Train Service had occurred in May 2024, highlighting ongoing challenges.