The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau has launched an investigation into a railway incident involving a passenger train operating on the Rigasa–Idu rail corridor.
The occurrence happened at about 9:16 a.m. along the Jere–Asham section of the rail line close to Asham Station in Kaduna State.
In a preliminary report issued by the bureau and signed by its Director of Public Affairs and Family Assistance, Funke Arowojobe, the train, designated KA2, had departed Rigasa Railway Station in Kaduna for its routine trip to Idu Railway Station in Abuja.
The report indicated that the service was operating within its scheduled timeframe of 7:15 a.m. to 10:01 a.m.
The train arrived at Jere Railway Station at approximately 8:52 a.m. and departed seven minutes later, after an additional locomotive was attached at the rear to support the journey.
However, not long after leaving Jere Station, the rear locomotive reportedly became detached while the train was moving along a descending stretch of track towards the Asham area.
The detached locomotive then rolled forward and struck the rear of the train, resulting in what authorities described as a serious operational incident.
At the time, the train was made up of two locomotives positioned at the front and rear, a power car, two business-class coaches and six standard passenger coaches.
Officials said 429 passengers were onboard the service, along with 46 crew members and 24 security personnel assigned to the operation.
Authorities confirmed that no lives were lost, although several passengers sustained injuries during the incident.
Emergency response measures were immediately activated by staff of the Nigerian Railway Corporation and security personnel onboard, while medical teams provided first aid to those affected.
Despite the disruption, the train later continued its trip and arrived at Idu Station in Abuja at about 10:39 a.m., where further assistance was provided to passengers.
Investigators from the NSIB have since begun collecting evidence to establish the factors responsible for the incident.
The probe will review technical, operational and infrastructure-related aspects, including the train’s configuration, the mechanisms used to attach the locomotives, operational procedures and other relevant data.
Speaking on the development, the Director-General of the bureau, Alex Badeh Jr., expressed concern for passengers who sustained injuries and reaffirmed the agency’s determination to uncover the cause of the occurrence.
“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.
