The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has released its preliminary report on the derailment of an Abuja–Kaduna passenger train at Asham Station, Kaduna State, calling for urgent safety measures to prevent future incidents.
The accident, which occurred on August 26, 2025, involved train number AK 1 operated by the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC).
The service, carrying 618 passengers, derailed shortly after passing a manually operated switch point at Asham Station, causing the forward locomotive and seven coaches to overturn.
Twenty-one passengers sustained injuries, though no lives were lost.
Initial findings on the NSIB website revealed that the derailment was the second at Asham Station within 13 months.
Investigators discovered that some damaged sleepers from the earlier accident were only patched, while the automatic crossing point switch mechanism at the station was unserviceable.
The point clip used in manual operations was found broken, raising concerns about track maintenance and safety oversight.
The Bureau also noted gaps in personnel training, limited access to spare parts, and deferred repairs on essential equipment, including CCTV cameras and communication systems.
In response, the NSIB issued a series of safety recommendations to the NRC, urging the replacement of all affected sleepers and faulty point switches with original manufacturer parts.
It further advised the corporation to address caution zones flagged for train drivers, restore defective equipment to standard, and provide regular refresher training for personnel to improve safety procedures.
The investigation is ongoing, with technical inspections of track infrastructure, locomotives, and derailed coaches underway.
According to the report, investigators will also analyze crew records, passenger accounts, and the broken point clip to establish the root cause of the incident.
Faulty Equipment, Poor Maintenance Blamed for Abuja-Kaduna Train Derailment
The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has released its preliminary report on the derailment of an Abuja–Kaduna passenger train at Asham Station, Kaduna State, calling for urgent safety measures to prevent future incidents.
The accident, which occurred on August 26, 2025, involved train number AK 1 operated by the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC).
The service, carrying 618 passengers, derailed shortly after passing a manually operated switch point at Asham Station, causing the forward locomotive and seven coaches to overturn.
Twenty-one passengers sustained injuries, though no lives were lost.
Initial findings on the NSIB website revealed that the derailment was the second at Asham Station within 13 months.
Investigators discovered that some damaged sleepers from the earlier accident were only patched, while the automatic crossing point switch mechanism at the station was unserviceable.
The point clip used in manual operations was found broken, raising concerns about track maintenance and safety oversight.
The Bureau also noted gaps in personnel training, limited access to spare parts, and deferred repairs on essential equipment, including CCTV cameras and communication systems.
In response, the NSIB issued a series of safety recommendations to the NRC, urging the replacement of all affected sleepers and faulty point switches with original manufacturer parts.
It further advised the corporation to address caution zones flagged for train drivers, restore defective equipment to standard, and provide regular refresher training for personnel to improve safety procedures.
The investigation is ongoing, with technical inspections of track infrastructure, locomotives, and derailed coaches underway.
According to the report, investigators will also analyze crew records, passenger accounts, and the broken point clip to establish the root cause of the incident.
Reporting By Nosa Aituamen