26 passengers and crew members have sustained varying degrees of injuries following an accident involving the Kaduna-Abuja train service.
The Nigerian Railway Corporation made this known in an interim report issued by its Managing Director, Kayode Opeifa.
According to the report, the train departed Rigasa in Kaduna at 7:15 a.m. and was approaching Asham station at about 9:16 a.m. when a loud bang was heard.
The incident occurred after the power car and trailing locomotive collided with one of the passenger coaches.
The NRC boss explained that the accident, which happened around kilometers 50–51 on the route, was likely caused by a fault in one or more couplers.
He, however, noted that investigations are ongoing to determine the exact cause.
Following the development, the affected components, including Loco 2809, power car BVA0002, and passenger coach SP0006, were detached before the train resumed its journey.
The train later arrived at Kubwa in Abuja at 10:10 a.m. and completed its trip at Idu station at 10:39 a.m., about 38 minutes behind schedule.
A total of 481 persons were on board, comprising passengers, crew members, security personnel, vendors, and other support staff.
The breakdown of the figure shows that 429 passengers boarded the train out of 459 booked, alongside 10 train crew members, 26 security personnel, six food vendors, eight cleaners, and two medical/support staff.
Out of this number, 26 persons, including passengers, medical personnel, cleaners, and security officials, sustained injuries.
Meanwhile, the corporation says investigations are ongoing to ascertain the precise cause of the incident.
RN
