A passenger train traveling from Abuja to Kaduna derailed on Tuesday morning, leaving one person dead and six others injured.
The incident occurred at about 11:09 a.m. around KM 49, between Kubwa and Asham stations on the Abuja–Kaduna rail line. Several coaches were reported to have overturned.
Eyewitnesses said the deceased was in the train’s toilet when the derailment happened. “One person died on the train while some people were injured. The one who died was in the toilet when it happened,” a passenger recounted.
Earlier, authorities had confirmed that six people sustained injuries. The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) said its investigators had been deployed to the site to collect evidence, engage stakeholders, and begin a full inquiry into the cause of the accident.
“The Bureau sympathises with those injured and extends its support to all passengers affected. The investigation will focus on identifying the factors that led to the derailment with the aim of issuing safety recommendations to prevent a recurrence,” the NSIB said in a statement signed by its spokesperson, Bimbo Olawumi Oladeji.
The Director-General of NSIB, Captain Alex Badeh, also expressed condolences, assuring that a transparent investigation would be carried out. “Our commitment is to ensure safer rail transport for Nigerians through a thorough and independent investigation,” he said.
The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC), in a separate statement by its Managing Director, Kayode Opeifa, confirmed the derailment and said emergency teams, including medical personnel, had been deployed for rescue operations.
The Abuja–Kaduna rail corridor is one of the busiest in the country, often used as a safer alternative to the road, which has been plagued by insecurity.
