ABUJA, Nigeria (BN24) — A passenger train traveling from Abuja to Kaduna derailed Tuesday morning, overturning several carriages and sparking panic among those onboard. The incident occurred shortly after the train departed Abuja around 11 a.m. along one of Nigeria’s busiest rail corridors, according to eyewitness reports.
Chaos erupted as passengers scrambled to escape the overturned cabins, with many describing the scene as frightening and disorganized. An eyewitness at the scene recounted, “It was pure panic. People were running in different directions, unsure of what to do next. We cannot yet confirm if everyone is safe, but we pray for everyone’s survival.”
The Managing Director of the Nigeria Railway Corporation, Kayode Opeifa, confirmed the derailment during a telephone interview, noting that rescue efforts are actively underway. “The incident is confirmed, and rescue operations are ongoing at the scene,” Opeifa said, adding that further details would be provided as the situation develops.
While the exact cause of the derailment remains unknown, no casualties have been officially reported at this time. The Abuja-Kaduna rail line is a critical transport artery used by hundreds of commuters daily and has previously been disrupted by security challenges, including the March 2022 terrorist attack that resulted in deaths and abductions.
This latest derailment raises concerns over railway safety and operational stability on one of Nigeria’s most vital train routes. Authorities continue to monitor the rescue process as investigations into the cause of the derailment proceed.
Credit: Punching.com
