The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) has suspended all train operations on the Abuja–Kaduna corridor following Tuesday’s derailment, which left six passengers injured.
NRC Managing Director, Kayode Opeifa, announced the suspension while briefing journalists in Abuja, saying the move was necessary to allow for a thorough investigation into the cause of the incident.
He disclosed that technical experts from the NRC, the Nigeria Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB), and other relevant agencies were already on the ground at the accident site to conduct assessments.
Opeifa dismissed claims that the trains were in poor condition, stressing that the derailment was being professionally investigated. He confirmed that refunds had been initiated for all passengers on board the ill-fated train and noted that some of the passengers were received at Asham and Idu stations in Abuja.
“Six passengers sustained minor injuries and have since been treated. The exact number of passengers on board is still being verified,” Opeifa said.
NSIB Launches Investigation
The NSIB confirmed it has begun a probe into the derailment, with its investigators deployed to collect evidence and determine both direct and underlying causes.
NSIB’s Director of Public Affairs and Family Assistance, Bimbo Oladeji, said preliminary findings showed that no fatalities were recorded, though six passengers sustained injuries.
READ ALSO: Abuja–Kaduna Train Derails, Passengers Escape in Panic
Director General of the Bureau, Alex Badeh Jr., extended sympathy to those affected, assuring Nigerians of a transparent investigation.
“We deeply sympathise with all who sustained injuries. The Bureau has deployed investigators to the site to ensure the root cause of this derailment is uncovered. Our commitment is to ensure safer rail transport for Nigerians,” Badeh stated.
According to him, the NSIB will issue safety recommendations upon the conclusion of its findings to prevent future incidents.
The derailment occurred around 11 a.m. on Tuesday, shortly after the train departed Abuja for Kaduna. Witnesses described scenes of panic as passengers scrambled to safety.
Authorities say updates will be provided as investigations progress.