Abuja-Kaduna Train Derails, Rescue Efforts Underway as Passengers Panic

By Joseph Iyaji | Akahi News

A passenger train travelling from Abuja to Kaduna derailed on Tuesday morning, leaving several carriages overturned and sparking widespread panic among those on board.

Akahi News learnt that the incident happened shortly after the train departed Abuja at about 11 a.m. The derailment along the busy corridor caused passengers to flee in confusion, with many describing the scene as chaotic and terrifying.

An eyewitness recounted the moment, saying the derailment occurred suddenly and without warning. “It is complete pandemonium. People who managed to escape were seen running in different directions. It was pure panic. We cannot confirm if everyone is safe yet, but we pray all come out alive,” the eyewitness stated.

Confirming the development, the Managing Director of the Nigeria Railway Corporation, Kayode Opeifa, told journalists that rescue operations were already underway at the site of the accident. “I don’t want to say much for now, but the incident is confirmed and the rescue operation is on as we speak,” he said.

Although the cause of the derailment is not yet known, no casualties have been officially reported at the time of filing this report.

The Abuja-Kaduna rail corridor remains one of Nigeria’s busiest, serving hundreds of commuters daily. However, it has faced multiple disruptions in the past, most notably the March 2022 terrorist attack that claimed lives and saw several passengers abducted.

Authorities have assured that updates on the rescue efforts and passenger safety will be provided as the situation unfolds.

Akahi News http://www.akahinews.org