The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has commenced an investigation into a railway incident involving a passenger train operating along the Rigasa–Idu rail corridor.
The incident occurred at about 9:16 a.m. on the Jere–Asham section of the track near Asham Station in Kaduna State.
According to a preliminary report signed by Funke Arowojobe, Director of Public Affairs and Family Assistance at the bureau, the train, identified as KA2, departed Rigasa Railway Station in Kaduna for its scheduled journey to Idu Railway Station in Abuja.
The report stated that the train was operating within its scheduled service window of 7:15 a.m. to 10:01 a.m. It arrived at Jere Railway Station at about 8:52 a.m. and departed again at 8:59 a.m. after a rear locomotive was attached to provide additional operational support for the onward journey.
However, shortly after leaving Jere Station, the rear locomotive reportedly detached while the train was travelling along a downward gradient toward the Asham section.
The detached locomotive then rolled forward and collided with the rear portion of the train, resulting in what officials described as a serious operational incident.
At the time of the occurrence, the train consisted of two locomotives positioned at the front and rear, a power car, two business-class coaches and six standard passenger coaches.
A total of 429 passengers were onboard, alongside 46 crew members and 24 security personnel assigned to the service.
Authorities confirmed that no fatalities were recorded in the incident, although some passengers sustained injuries.
Emergency response efforts were immediately initiated by personnel of the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) and security operatives on the train, while medical personnel provided first aid to affected passengers.
Despite the incident, the train continued its journey and eventually arrived at Idu Station in Abuja at about 10:39 a.m., where additional assistance was provided.
Investigators from the NSIB have begun gathering evidence to determine the circumstances that led to the occurrence.
The probe will examine technical, operational and infrastructure-related issues, including the train’s configuration, locomotive attachment mechanisms, operational procedures and other relevant operational data.
Commenting on the development, the Director-General of the bureau, Alex Badeh Jr., expressed concern for passengers who sustained injuries and reiterated the agency’s commitment to uncovering the cause of the incident.
“This incident reminds us that every transport journey carries the trust and expectations of hundreds of people who rely on the system to move them safely to their destination,” he said.
“Our thoughts are with the passengers who sustained injuries, and we commend the swift response of Nigerian Railway Corporation personnel and emergency teams who assisted those affected.”
He added that the bureau would conduct a thorough investigation to ensure lessons from the incident contribute to safer railway operations across the country.
