The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau, NSIB, has begun an investigation into a railway incident involving a passenger train on the Rigasa–Idu corridor.
According to the Bureau’s Director of Public Affairs and Family Assistance, Mrs Funke Arowojobe, the incident occurred around 9:16 a.m. along the Jere–Asham section near Asham Station in Kaduna State.
The train, identified as KA2, had departed Rigasa in Kaduna for Idu Station in Abuja and had earlier stopped at Jere Station where a rear locomotive was attached to assist the journey.
Shortly after leaving Jere, the rear locomotive became detached while the train was moving along a downward gradient and rolled forward, striking the back of the train.
The service was carrying 429 passengers along with crew members and security personnel.
No deaths were recorded, but several passengers sustained injuries and received first aid from personnel of the Nigerian Railway Corporation and onboard medical responders.
The train later continued its journey and arrived safely at Idu Station where further assistance was provided.
Director General of the Bureau, Captain Alex Badeh Jr., expressed concern for the injured passengers and commended the swift response of railway staff and emergency teams.
He assured that investigators will examine all technical, operational and infrastructure factors to determine the cause of the incident and improve railway safety.
The Bureau says it will continue working with the Nigerian Railway Corporation and other agencies as the investigation progresses, with further updates expected.
Reporting By Nosa Aituamen