Passengers scamper for safety as Abuja-Kaduna train derails

A passenger train heading to Kaduna from Abuja derailed on Tuesday morning, leaving several carriages overturned and triggering panic among those on board.

The incident reportedly occurred along the popular corridor shortly after the train departed Abuja around 11 a.m., en route to Kaduna.

The incident has caused passengers to flee for safety, with many describing the scene as chaotic and frightening.

An eyewitness stated that the derailment happened without warning, triggering confusion as passengers rushed out of the derailed cabins.

The eyewitness said, “It is a complete pandemonium. People who were confirmed to be saved were seen running in different directions. It was pure panic.

Mr. Kayode Opeifa, Managing Director of the Nigeria Railway Corporation, confirmed the incident, saying that the rescue operation is ongoing at the scene of the incident.

He said, “I don’t want to say much for now, but the incident is confirmed and the rescue operation is on as we speak.”

Although the exact cause of the derailment remains unclear at the time of this report, no casualties have been officially reported.

It will be recalled that the Kaduna–Abuja rail line is one of Nigeria’s most active rail corridors, used daily by hundreds of commuters.

The rail route has faced repeated disruptions over the years, including the March 2022 terrorist attack, which left several dead and many abducted.