‘Coupling Issue’ to Blame: NRC Explains Abuja-Kaduna Train Incident, No Fatalities

Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) Managing Director, Dr. Kayode Opeifa, has confirmed that several passengers were injured following a train collision near Asham Station on the Abuja-Kaduna route this Monday.

While Opeifa emphasized that no fatalities occurred, he noted that the injured were quickly evacuated to a nearby medical facility for treatment.

Despite confirming the incident in a statement given to Persecondnews on Monday, the NRC has yet to disclose the total number of passengers on board or the exact count of those injured.

According to preliminary reports, a “coupling issue” caused the rear locomotive to make contact with the adjacent coach.

The statement reads: “The Management of the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) wishes to confirm that an avoidable train incident occurred at about 10:30 a.m. today near Asham, involving a rear locomotive and a passenger coach.

“Preliminary reports indicate that the rear locomotive made contact with the rear immediately next to it (rear) due to a coupling issue.

“Some passengers sustained injuries and were promptly attended to and taken to a nearby medical facility for proper medical care. No fatalities were recorded.

“Emergency response protocols were immediately activated, and relevant technical teams have been mobilised to the location. The Safety Investigation Bureau (SIB) is also on site to conduct a thorough investigation into the incident in line with established safety procedures.

“The train arrived at Idu station at about 10.39am, 38minutes behind schedule due to the time allowed to remove the incident rear locomotive and coach Sp 0006.

“The corporation assures the public that safety remains its top priority, and all necessary measures are being taken to address the situation and ensure the continued safe operation of train services.”

He said further details will be communicated as more information becomes available.

A witness Sada Malumfashi shared photos of bent metal and derailed sections on X, describing how people inside suffered cuts and severe injuries.

His post reads:“Just dropped from the Kaduna-Abuja train. We heard a loud bang and the train jolted to a stop flinging people across.

“Passengers got hit and most are bleeding and severely injured. The train was delayed for some 30 minutes and resumed to Kubwa.”