Pandemonium as Abuja–Kaduna Train Derails, Passengers Escape Unhurt

A passenger train traveling from Abuja to Kaduna derailed on Tuesday morning, leaving several coaches overturned and causing panic among commuters on board.

The incident occurred around 11 a.m., shortly after the train departed the Federal Capital Territory for its northern destination.

Eyewitnesses reported that the derailment sent shockwaves through the coaches as passengers scrambled to safety, fearing the worst.

Videos and pictures shared online showed cabins tilted off the tracks, with travelers making hurried exits through broken doors and windows.

Security operatives, including military personnel, quickly arrived at the scene to manage the situation and ensure the safety of passengers. While the chaotic scenes raised concerns about possible casualties, early reports indicated that no lives were lost and no serious injuries had been confirmed.

As of press time, the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) had yet to release an official statement on the derailment. The cause of the accident also remains unclear, though investigations are expected to focus on whether the mishap resulted from technical faults, track conditions, or other external factors.

The Abuja–Kaduna rail corridor has been one of the busiest in the country, serving as a safer alternative to the highway which has been plagued by frequent bandit attacks and kidnappings.

However, the route has faced its own challenges in recent years, including mechanical faults, service disruptions, and security threats, such as the deadly terrorist attack on a train in 2022.

Tuesday’s derailment has once again raised questions about the state of Nigeria’s railway infrastructure and the safety of passengers who rely on the service daily. For now, stranded commuters await further directives from authorities, while Nigerians call for urgent measures to prevent a recurrence of such accidents on a line that has become vital to national transportation.