NRC Confirms Collision on Kaduna-Abuja Train Route

The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) has confirmed a collision incident on a Kaduna-bound passenger train near Asham Station, injuring several passengers but causing no fatalities. The mishap occurred around 9:16 a.m. on the Rigasa-Idu corridor, when a rear locomotive detached on a downward gradient and struck the train’s rear coach due to a coupling failure.

Train KA2, carrying 429 passengers, 46 crew, and 24 security personnel, departed Rigasa Station at 7:15 a.m. and reached Jere Station by 8:52 a.m., where the rear locomotive was attached for support. Shortly after departing Jere at 8:59 a.m., the locomotive detached, rolled forward along the Jere-Asham gradient, and collided with the rear passenger coach.

NRC Managing Director Kayode Opeifa described the event as unavoidable in a statement, noting immediate activation of emergency protocols and deployment of technical teams. Onboard staff and medical personnel provided first aid, with injured passengers evacuated to nearby facilities; the train reached Idu Station at 10:39 a.m., 38 minutes late, after detaching the affected units.

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Investigation Underway

The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) launched a probe, focusing on train configuration, coupling systems, operations, and infrastructure. Director General Captain Alex Badeh Jr. voiced concern for passengers and pledged a thorough analysis to enhance safety.

NRC emphasized safety as its priority and promised updates, clarifying no derailment occurred as the train stayed on track. This incident follows prior Abuja-Kaduna issues, including an August 2025 derailment, amid Senate scrutiny of rail failures.