Abuja–Kaduna train derailment: Injured passengers rise to 20

The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) on Wednesday announced that the number of injured passengers from the Abuja–Kaduna train that derailed on 26 August 2025 between Kubwa and Asham stations has risen to 20.

Recall that the NRC had initially disclosed that only seven passengers sustained injuries during the derailment.

However, in a statement personally signed on Wednesday by its Managing Director, Dr Kayode Opeifa, the Corporation confirmed that 20 persons sustained varying degrees of injury, nine of whom were reported to be in critical condition.

The statement read:

“The NRC wishes to inform the general public on the progress made in the management of passenger tracing, treatment of the injured, recovery of its rolling stock, and restoration of the tracks following the derailment incident involving the Abuja–Kaduna-bound train.

As of 2 September 2025, seven days after the incident, NRC engineers have successfully recovered a locomotive and four coaches (out of two locomotives and eight DMU coaches), which have been railed to Idu Station for assessment using the newly constructed 100-metre track off the damaged line. Site preparation has commenced for the deployment of heavy equipment to recover the remaining four coaches and the second locomotive.

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A total of 618 persons were onboard the ill-fated train, comprising 583 passengers, 15 NRC crew members, one medical personnel, eight cleaners, and 11 catering staff.

All individuals were safely evacuated. Unfortunately, while seven were initially reported as critically injured, passenger tracing conducted by the NRC medical team established that 20 persons sustained various degrees of injury, nine of them critical. The Corporation takes full responsibility for the incident and is actively supporting those affected.

To assist affected passengers, the NRC has set up an Incident Desk to handle enquiries and provide regular updates through dedicated phone lines: Queen – 0703 645 2228, Lilian – 0703 199 3211, and Abubakar – 0803 659 3212. So far, the Corporation has been able to reach 510 out of the 583 passengers listed on the train manifest.

The Managing Director of the NRC, Dr Kayode Opeifa, expressed appreciation to the security agencies deployed to the accident site for their vital role in ensuring a smooth, safe, and disruption-free recovery process. He also acknowledged the media as a critical partner and extended sincere gratitude for their continued support during this challenging period.

Furthermore, the Management appreciates the visit of the Honourable Minister of Transportation, Senator Saidu Ahmed Alkali, who inspected the site and commended the recovery efforts of the NRC team.

The NRC wishes to reassure its esteemed passengers and the general public that every necessary measure is being taken to restore full train operations in the shortest possible time. Passenger safety and service reliability remain the Corporation’s top priorities.”

NIGERIAN TRIBUNE