Yemi Obafemi
The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has begun an investigation into a railway incident involving a passenger train operating on the Abuja Kaduna corridor after a detached locomotive struck the train near Asham Station in Kaduna State.
The incident occurred around 9:16 a.m. on the Jere Asham section of the track when a rear locomotive attached earlier for operational support became separated and rolled forward into the back of the train. Several passengers sustained injuries, though no deaths were reported.
In a statement issued by the Bureau’s Director of Public Affairs and Family Assistance, Funke Arowojobe, the train identified as KA2 had departed Rigasa Railway Station in Kaduna at about 7:15 a.m. for its scheduled journey to Idu Railway Station in Abuja.
According to the statement, the train arrived at Jere Station at about 8:52 a.m. and departed again seven minutes later after a rear locomotive was attached to assist with the onward journey.
“Shortly after leaving Jere Station, the rear locomotive detached while the train was moving along a downward gradient toward the Asham section,” the statement said. “The detached locomotive rolled forward and struck the rear portion of the train, resulting in a serious operational occurrence.”
At the time of the incident, the train was carrying 429 passengers. The onboard team included 46 crew members and 24 security personnel. The train configuration consisted of two locomotives positioned at the front and rear, a power car, two business class coaches and six standard passenger coaches.
Emergency responders and personnel from the Nigerian Railway Corporation quickly attended to injured passengers, providing first aid and other assistance.
Despite the disruption, the train was able to continue its journey and eventually arrived at Idu Station in Abuja at about 10:39 a.m., where further support was provided to passengers.
The NSIB said its investigators have begun gathering evidence to determine the factors that led to the incident. The probe will examine technical, operational and infrastructure related issues, including the train’s configuration, locomotive attachment systems, operational procedures and other relevant data.
The Director General of the Bureau, Alex Badeh Jr., expressed concern for those affected and assured the public that the investigation would be thorough.
“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,” Badeh said.
“Our thoughts are with the passengers who sustained injuries, and we commend the swift response of railway personnel and emergency teams who assisted those affected.”
He added that the Bureau would carefully examine all relevant factors to determine the cause of the incident and ensure that lessons from the occurrence contribute to safer railway operations across Nigeria.
The NSIB said it will continue to work closely with the Nigerian Railway Corporation and other relevant agencies as the investigation progresses.
