By Ghazali Ibrahim
Six passengers were injured on Tuesday morning when a Kaduna-bound train derailed at KM 49, between Kubwa and Asham stations, prompting an emergency response and a formal investigation by the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB).
The incident occurred at approximately 11:09 a.m., shortly after the train departed Abuja for Kaduna.
According to a statement signed by the NSIB’s Director of Public Affairs and Family Assistance, Bimbo Olawumi Oladeji, there were no fatalities, but the injuries sustained required immediate medical attention.
A go-team of investigators has been dispatched to the site to gather evidence, engage with relevant stakeholders, and determine the circumstances surrounding the derailment.
“Current information available indicates that six persons sustained injuries, and no fatalities were recorded. 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,” the statement read in part.
NSIB Director General, Captain Alex Badeh, assured the public that the probe would be transparent and thorough.
“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,” he said.
Eyewitnesses described the scene as chaotic, with passengers scrambling to safety after the train veered off the tracks without warning.
The derailment caused panic among travellers, some of whom fled the cabins in fear.
The NSIB has pledged to provide updates as the investigation progresses.
