NSIB Publishes Preliminary Findings on Abuja–Kaduna Train Derailment, 21 Injured
The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has released its preliminary findings on the train derailment that disrupted operations along the Abuja–Kaduna corridor last month, leaving 21 passengers injured but no lives lost.
The incident, which took place on 26 August 2025 at Asham Station in Kagarko Local Government Area of Kaduna State, involved passenger train number AK 1, operated by the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC).
The train, powered by locomotive CDD5c2 2701, departed Idu Station in Abuja at 9:45 a.m. with 618 persons on board, including crew, security operatives, and service staff.
Trouble struck at approximately 11:09 a.m. after the train passed through a manually operated switch point at kilometre 49, Asham Station. The leading locomotive and adjoining coaches veered off the track and overturned, triggering panic among passengers. Emergency responders confirmed that 21 individuals sustained varying degrees of injuries, though no fatalities occurred.
The NSIB stated that the accident underscored the need for heightened safety measures on the nation’s railway network. It emphasised that the preliminary report provides early insights but remains subject to further investigation.
The Bureau noted that its final report will present more detailed conclusions and additional recommendations designed to reduce risks and prevent future derailments.
In a statement through its Director of Public Affairs and Family Assistance, Mrs Bimbo Olawumi Oladeji, the Bureau assured Nigerians that it remains committed to thorough and independent investigations across all modes of transport.
It also confirmed that the preliminary report has been made publicly available on its official website for stakeholders and the general public.
“The safety of passengers remains the paramount concern,” the Bureau stressed, noting that the its work is not about apportioning blame but about improving safety across Nigeria’s transport system.
The NSIB, a multimodal agency, is mandated to investigate air, rail, marine, and road accidents with the objective of identifying probable causes and issuing safety recommendations.
It urged Nigerians to follow updates through its official website and social media platforms, while providing an emergency line for enquiries.
