Chaos on Abuja–Kaduna Rail Line as Train Derails, Several Cabins Overturn

Abuja, Nigeria — iNewsAfrica (Breaking News):
Panic gripped passengers on Tuesday morning after a Kaduna-bound train from Abuja derailed causing several coaches to overturn in a dramatic accident that sent shockwaves across the country.

According to the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC), the derailment occurred at about 11:09 a.m., prompting the immediate dispatch of emergency responders, medical teams, and security personnel to the scene. Eyewitnesses described the situation as chaotic, with passengers scrambling for safety as carriages tilted violently off the track.

“It was terrifying — people were screaming and trying to jump out as the cabins overturned,” said one passenger who managed to escape unhurt.

While the extent of injuries and possible casualties has yet to be officially confirmed, authorities have assured the public that evacuation and rescue operations are in full swing.

This latest disruption adds to the troubled history of the Abuja–Kaduna rail corridor, which has suffered repeated derailments in recent years and was also the scene of a deadly bandit attack in March 2022 that claimed lives and led to the abduction of dozens of passengers.

NRC Managing Director Kayode Opeifa noted that investigations would commence immediately to determine the cause of the accident and ensure stronger safety measures going forward.

The incident has once again ignited debate over the state of Nigeria’s rail infrastructure, raising questions about maintenance standards, investment in safety, and the overall reliability of the nation’s critical transport lifeline.

As the country awaits updates on passenger conditions, the derailment serves as a sobering reminder of the urgent need to upgrade infrastructure, enforce safety protocols, and restore public confidence in Nigeria’s railway system.