Passengers travelling along the busy Abuja–Kaduna rail corridor faced a scare early Monday morning. A passenger train reportedly collided with a freight train near Asham, leaving several travellers injured and hundreds stranded.
The incident quickly disrupted movement along the railway line, which is widely used by commuters moving between Nigeria’s capital and Kaduna State.
Authorities said emergency teams were deployed immediately. Injured passengers were also evacuated to receive medical treatment as investigations began into the cause of the Abuja-Kaduna train collision.
The accident reportedly occurred when a passenger train encountered a freight locomotive along the railway corridor.
However, officials from the Nigerian Railway Corporation quickly stepped in to manage the situation. Emergency response protocols were activated shortly after the incident was reported.
According to the Managing Director of the Nigerian Railway Corporation, Dr Kayode Opeifa, passengers who sustained injuries were treated quickly. Officials also confirmed that victims were transported to Idu Train Station for medical attention.
Preliminary findings suggest the accident may have been caused by a technical problem involving the locomotive. In a statement issued by the railway corporation, the cause was linked to a coupling issue during the train’s movement.
The statement explained:
“Preliminary reports indicate that the rear locomotive made contact with the rear immediately next to it (rear) due to a coupling issue.”
Officials said this contact triggered the disruption that later caused injuries and delays. The statement further confirmed the condition of passengers after the incident.
“Some passengers sustained injuries and were promptly attended to and taken to a nearby medical facility for proper medical care. No fatalities were recorded.”
Meanwhile, emergency teams were immediately dispatched to the location of the accident. Railway technical teams were mobilised to assess the damage and restore operations along the corridor.
According to the official statement, the corporation acted quickly to manage the situation.
“Emergency response protocols were immediately activated, and relevant technical teams have been mobilized to the location.”
Furthermore, investigators from the Safety Investigation Bureau were sent to the scene. Their task is to determine the exact cause of the Abuja Kaduna train collision. Officials explained that the bureau will follow established safety procedures during the investigation. Meanwhile, train services experienced delays following the incident.
Railway officials said the train eventually arrived at Idu Station later than scheduled. According to Opeifa, the train reached the station at about 10:39 a.m.
This arrival occurred approximately 38 minutes behind schedule. The delay happened because officials needed time to remove the damaged locomotive and coach from the track. Once the obstruction was cleared, operations gradually resumed.
The Abuja–Kaduna railway line remains one of Nigeria’s busiest transport routes. Many travellers depend on the service due to its convenience and security advantages.
Therefore, any disruption on the line often attracts widespread attention. However, the Nigerian Railway Corporation has assured the public that safety remains its top priority.
