Mohammed Garba
The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has confirmed the number of passengers that sustained injuries on Tuesday after a Kaduna-bound train derailed between Kubwa and Asham stations.
The accident, which occurred at about 11:09 a.m. at KM 49 shortly after the train left Abuja, forced passengers to flee in panic as several carriages went off the tracks.
In a statement signed by the Director of Public Affairs and Family Assistance, Bimbo Olawumi Oladeji, the NSIB disclosed that a “go-team” had been deployed to the scene to gather evidence, interact with stakeholders, and begin investigations into the cause of the derailment.
“Current information available indicates that six persons sustained injuries, with no fatalities recorded. The Bureau sympathises with those injured and extends support to all passengers affected. The investigation will focus on identifying the direct and underlying factors that led to the derailment, with the aim of issuing safety recommendations to prevent a recurrence,” the statement read.
The Director-General of the Bureau, Captain Alex Badeh, also assured Nigerians that the investigation would be transparent and independent, adding: “Our commitment is to ensure safer rail transport for Nigerians through a thorough investigation.”
Eyewitnesses described the scene as chaotic, with one passenger recounting that the train “went off the tracks without warning,” sending people scrambling out of the affected cabins.
Authorities have promised to provide further updates as investigations continue.