•The derailed Abuja-Kaduna train
The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has released its preliminary report on the derailment of a passenger train at Asham Station along the Abuja–Kaduna rail corridor, which occurred on August 26, 2025.
According to the Bureau, the incident involved train number AK 1, operated by the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) with locomotive registration CDD5c2 2701.
The train, which left Idu Station in Abuja at 9:45 a.m. bound for Rigasa Station in Kaduna, was carrying 618 people, including crew members, security personnel, and service staff, reports Daily Independent.
“The derailment happened at approximately 11:09 a.m. shortly after the train passed a manually operated switch point at Asham Station, located at kilometre 49 along the Kubwa–Asham section in Kagarko Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
“The forward locomotive and several adjoining coaches were thrown off the tracks and overturned.
Twenty-one passengers sustained injuries of varying severity in the accident, but fortunately, no fatalities were recorded.
“Emergency response teams were quickly mobilised to the scene to provide medical attention and ensure the safety of passengers,” stated the reports.
The NSIB stated that the findings contained in the preliminary report are based on initial investigations and are subject to further analysis. It emphasised that the final report will provide a more comprehensive account of the incident, including probable causes and additional recommendations to strengthen rail safety in the country.
The Bureau has made the preliminary report publicly available on its official website.
It also reiterated its mandate as Nigeria’s multimodal transport safety agency, responsible for carrying out independent, objective, and thorough investigations into transport accidents and incidents, with the ultimate goal of preventing future occurrences and enhancing overall safety.
The report was made available in a statement signed by the Director of Public Affairs and Family Assistance at the NSIB, Mrs Bimbo Olawumi Oladeji.
The NSIB urged the public and media to access the full report online, while assuring that it remains committed to upholding safety standards across Nigeria’s transport sector.
