Asham Train Mishap: Track Damage Severe, 12 Injured as NSIB Outlines Comprehensive Investigation into Safety Gaps
The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has launched a full-scale independent investigation into the derailment of a passenger train on the Abuja–Kaduna rail line, which left at least 12 people injured and caused major disruption of services.
The incident occurred on Tuesday, 26 August 2025, at about 11:07 a.m. when train AK1, operated by the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC), derailed at Asham Train Station shortly after departing Abuja. The train, which left Idu Station at 9:45 a.m. and briefly stopped at Kubwa, was carrying 583 passengers and crew.
According to NSIB Director-General, Captain Alex Badeh Jnr., five coaches came off the tracks, while the front locomotive and two coaches overturned. The rear locomotive and the last coach, however, remained on the rail.
“Although eyewitnesses suggested as many as 50 passengers may have been injured, official records confirm 12 persons sustained minor to moderate injuries. No fatalities were recorded,” Captain Badeh confirmed during a press briefing in Abuja.
Emergency teams from the NRC, supported by military personnel and other security agencies, responded promptly, administering first aid and transporting the injured to medical facilities. Families of some passengers reportedly removed their relatives from the scene before official documentation could be completed.
The derailment caused serious damage to tracks, sleepers, and the switching mechanism at Asham Station. Services along the busy Abuja–Kaduna corridor were temporarily suspended to enable recovery and repairs.
Captain Badeh stated that the NSIB, established under the 2022 Act as Nigeria’s Accident Investigation Authority, has taken full control of the investigation in line with the Railways (Investigation of Accidents and Incidents) Regulation 2024.
“The Bureau’s investigation is not about apportioning blame or liability. Our sole focus is on uncovering the causes and contributing factors in order to prevent a recurrence,” he said.
An Investigator-in-Charge (IIC) has been appointed with authority over the accident site, evidence, and relevant records. The Bureau is preserving recorded data from the train, including CCTV footage, speedometers, and safety systems, while technical experts may be engaged to support the process.
The NSIB outlined a multi-layered probe that will cover:
Detailed site and infrastructure inspection, including the turnout switch and track geometry.
Examination of locomotives, coaches, and rolling stock.
Review of NRC records on crew, operations, and maintenance.
Interviews with crew members, passengers, and witnesses.
Analysis of recorded operational data.
Should international dimensions arise, such as the design or manufacture of the rolling stock, the NSIB will notify and involve relevant foreign states.
The Bureau also pledged support for survivors and families of affected passengers, coordinating with NRC and relevant agencies to provide accurate information and assistance.
Upon conclusion within a period of 30 days, according to the DG, the Bureau will issue a Draft Final Report for stakeholder consultation before releasing its Final Report to the public.
Safety recommendations will be directed to regulatory bodies and operators to strengthen railway safety. Interim statements may also be issued on accident anniversaries to update the public on progress.
Captain Badeh assured Nigerians that transparency will guide the process: “The derailment at Asham Station highlights the urgency of improving safety across our rail system. We are committed to delivering a thorough, impartial investigation that will lead to actionable safety measures.”
