A train heading from Abuja to Kaduna derailed on Tuesday morning, leaving several coaches off the tracks and forcing terrified passengers to scamper to safety.
The derailment occurred along the busy corridor shortly after the train departed Abuja around 11 a.m. Passengers described the scene as chaotic and frightening.
One eyewitness recounted that the mishap happened suddenly, causing confusion as people rushed out of the affected carriages. “It was total confusion. Survivors were seen running in all directions. The atmosphere was filled with fear. We are still uncertain if everyone is safe, but we hope there are no casualties,” the source said.
Confirming the incident, the Managing Director of the Nigeria Railway Corporation, Kayode Opeifa, told PUNCH Online in a phone interview that rescue efforts were ongoing. “Yes, it is true. The derailment happened and our teams are on the ground responding. I cannot provide more details for now,” he said.
The cause of the derailment has not yet been determined, and no fatalities had been reported as of the time of filing this report.
The Abuja–Kaduna line is one of the country’s most active rail services, conveying hundreds of commuters daily. It has, however, faced multiple disruptions in the past, including the March 2022 terrorist attack in which several passengers were killed and dozens kidnapped.
