The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau has launched an investigation into a railway incident involving a passenger train on the Rigasa–Idu corridor in Kaduna State. The event occurred around 9:16 a.m. near Asham Station, prompting immediate emergency responses.
According to a preliminary report by Funke Arowojobe, Director of Public Affairs at the bureau, the train, identified as KA2, departed Rigasa Railway Station for Idu Railway Station in Abuja. The train arrived at Jere Station at 8:52 a.m., attaching a rear locomotive for additional support before resuming its journey. Shortly afterward, the rear locomotive reportedly detached while traveling downhill toward Asham, colliding with the rear portion of the train and causing what officials described as a serious operational incident.
At the time, the train carried 429 passengers, 46 crew members, and 24 security personnel, and included two locomotives, a power car, two business-class coaches, and six standard coaches. No fatalities were recorded, though some passengers sustained injuries. Emergency teams from the Nigerian Railway Corporation and medical personnel immediately provided first aid, and the train continued to Idu Station, arriving at 10:39 a.m. for additional assistance.
Investigators from NSIB have begun gathering evidence to determine the cause of the incident. The probe will examine technical, operational, and infrastructure-related factors, including the train’s configuration, locomotive attachment mechanisms, and operational procedures, to establish the circumstances that led to the detachment and collision.
Director-General of NSIB, Alex Badeh Jr., expressed concern for the injured passengers and praised the quick response of railway personnel and emergency teams. He emphasized that the investigation aims to draw lessons that will improve railway safety nationwide and prevent similar incidents in the future.
