Abuja, Nigeria – Several passengers were left stranded yesterday after a Kaduna-bound train from Abuja derailed at Asha station, in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). The incident occurred at approximately 3:52 pm, less than 30 minutes after the train departed from Kubwa Station in Abuja.
A passenger, who requested anonymity, reported that there were no immediate signs of authorities being notified about the derailment. “Passengers are currently stranded, as there are no signs of authorities being notified,” the passenger said.
This is the second derailment incident involving this train route in two weeks. On May 26, a train that departed Rigasa station in Kaduna for Abuja derailed in a mountainous area near Jere. During that incident, three carriages went off the tracks, but fortunately, there were no casualties reported.
The recurring derailments have raised serious concerns about the safety and reliability of train services between Abuja and Kaduna. Passengers and stakeholders are calling for immediate action to address the underlying issues causing these derailments and to improve the response protocols in such emergencies.
The Federal Ministry of Transportation and the Nigerian Railway Corporation have yet to issue statements regarding the cause of the latest derailment and the measures being taken to ensure passenger safety and prevent future occurrences.
The frequent disruptions highlight the need for comprehensive safety inspections and maintenance of the railway infrastructure. Additionally, there is an urgent need for improved communication and emergency response strategies to ensure that passengers are not left stranded without assistance in such situations.
As investigations continue, passengers are urged to remain vigilant and report any concerns to the authorities to help improve the overall safety and reliability of train services in Nigeria.