Emergency responders deployed as Abuja-Kaduna train derails
A train travelling from Abuja to Kaduna on Wednesday derailed, leaving several coaches tumbling off the tracks and sparking fears of casualties.
The incident occurred at about 11:09 a.m. between Kubwa and Asham stations, according to the Nigeria Railway Corporation (NRC).
Passengers were left stranded as emergency responders and security operatives rushed to the scene. Eyewitness footage showed commuters standing along the rail tracks beside the derailed coaches.
In a statement, Kayode Opeifa, managing director of the NRC, confirmed the accident.
“NRC confirms a train derailment involving its Kaduna bound AKTS train service at about 11.09 at KM 49 between Kubwa station and Asham station,” the statement reads.
He added that medical and rescue teams had been mobilised to assist those on board.
“Emergency rescue, medical personnel, and nearby hospitals have already been mobilised. Full compliment of security already on ground as effort is ongoing to move all passengers on train back to Abuja safely. Kindly bear with us at this moment.”
As of press time, TheCable could not confirm the number of casualties, though fears remain high given the extent of the derailment.
The Abuja-Kaduna rail line is one of Nigeria’s busiest, linking the federal capital with the northwest. The incident is the latest in a series of challenges confronting the route, which has in the past faced attacks and service disruptions.
