A train that partially derailed on the Abuja-Kaduna line in Nigeria, has left six passengers with minor injuries.
Emergency services have treated the injured, and the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau has confirmed that there were no fatalities.
The safety bureau has now launched a full investigation into the incident, which is the second derailment on the route within a year.
Six passengers were injured on Tuesday morning when a Kaduna-bound train partially derailed at kilometre 49, between Kubwa and Asham stations.
The incident occurred at approximately 11am on what is Nigeria’s busiest passenger line, not long after the train departed Abuja, The Punch has reported.
Preliminary reports by local new outlets suggested the train encountered a technical fault.
Emergency responders treated the injured, who were later transported to a nearby hospital. Nigerian Eye said the six injured passengers – four adults and two children – were all in stable condition with minor injuries, ranging from bruises to sprains.
However, the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has confirmed there were no fatalities. Witnesses described scenes of panic as carriages lurched sideways and passengers scrambled to evacuate.
Video clips shared online showed staff from the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) assisting those on board.
The NSIB confirmed it had dispatched a specialist “go-team” to the site to collect evidence and interview stakeholders.
NSIB director general, Captain Alex Badeh, expressed sympathy to those affected and pledged transparency in the investigation.
Badeh said: “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 through a transparent and independent investigation.”
The Bureau has assured that updates will be provided as the investigation progresses.
Investigators will review track conditions, signalling systems and maintenance records.
The NRC has introduced temporary speed restrictions along the Abuja–Kaduna corridor while the inquiry is under way.
In a separate statement, cited by Nigerian Eye, the NRC expressed regret over the incident and committed to cooperating fully with the probe.
The Abuja–Kaduna line, which has operated since 2016, is a vital link between the capital and Kaduna State but has been plagued by safety concerns.
Previous derailments, infrastructure wear and security incidents have fuelled criticism of Nigeria’s rail investment and oversight.
Past challenges on the route have also been attributed to vandalism and overloading, according to some local news agencies.
Nigerian Eye reported that this derailment is the second on the route within a year, intensifying debate over the reliability of the country’s rail transport system.
