NRC train derails, many passengers injured 

A train operating on the busy Abuja–Kaduna rail corridor derailed on Monday during a journey from Kaduna to Abuja, injuring a large number of passengers.

The incident was said to have disrupted operations along the major railway line linking the Federal Capital Territory with Kaduna State as passenger train had to stop before reaching its destination.

Managing Director of the Nigerian Railway Corporation, Kayode Opeifa, confirmed the incident on Monday.

Eyewitness accounts suggested that the train might have collided with another train along the corridor, prompting authorities to temporarily suspend operations while the situation was assessed.

Sources said a number of passengers sustained cuts and bruises after being flung against seats and metal fittings inside the train compartments.

Opeifa explained that no person had died, adding that injured passengers had been brought back to Idu train station for necessary medical attention.

He added that NRC is currently carrying out an investigation to ascertain the exact cause of the incident.

He said, “Our Abuja-Kaduna train had an incident at Asham. Passengers were injured while an investigation is ongoing into the exact cause of the incident”.

Earlier, spokesperson for the Nigerian Railway Corporation, Callistus Unyimadu, confirmed the incident and said an official statement would be released soon.