Nigerian Railway Corporation has clarified that the incident involving a passenger train along the Asham axis of the Abuja–Kaduna railway line on Monday was not a derailment, contrary to earlier media reports.
NRC, in a statement, explained that a derailment occurs when the wheels of a train leave the track, preventing it from continuing its journey.
The corporation argued that that was not the case in the Asham incident.
Managing Director of the Nigerian Railway Corporation said the train remained firmly on the track throughout the incident and was able to proceed safely to Idu Railway Station, where passengers disembarked.
The clarification followed earlier reports that described the occurrence as a derailment after the train reportedly collided with an object along the rail corridor linking Abuja and Kaduna.
Meanwhile, the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau said it has commenced an investigation into a railway incident involving a passenger train operating on the Rigasa–Idu rail corridor.
Director of Public Affairs and Family Assistance at the NSIB, Mrs Funke Arowojobe said in a statement, “The occurrence took place at approximately 09:16 hours along the Jere–Asham section near Asham Station in Kaduna State. The section of track where the event occurred is located on a downward gradient.
“The train, identified as KA2, departed Rigasa Railway Station in Kaduna at the commencement of its scheduled journey to Idu Station in Abuja. The train operated within the scheduled service window of 07:15 to 10:01 and arrived at Jere Station at 08:52 before departing again at 08:59 to continue the journey toward Abuja.
“Upon arrival at Jere Station, a rear locomotive was attached to the train to provide additional operational support for the onward movement along the corridor. Shortly after departure from Jere station, the rear locomotive became detached while the train proceeded along the downward gradient toward the Asham section. The detached locomotive subsequently rolled forward and struck the rear portion of the train, resulting in a serious operational occurrence.”
The bureau said its investigators have commenced evidence gathering and analysis to determine the circumstances surrounding the occurrence.
“The investigation will examine technical, operational, and infrastructure factors, including train configuration, locomotive attachment systems, operational procedures, and relevant operational data,” the statement added.
Commenting on the incident, the Director General of the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau, Captain Alex Badeh Jr., expressed concern for the affected passengers and reaffirmed the bureau’s commitment to uncovering the facts behind 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.
“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. At the Bureau, we approach every investigation with a deep sense of responsibility because behind every occurrence are real people, real families, and real consequences. Our team will carefully examine every relevant factor to understand what happened and to ensure that the lessons from this occurrence lead to safer railway operations across Nigeria.”
The bureau said it would work closely with the Nigerian Railway Corporation and other relevant agencies as the investigation progresses.
