The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) has denied reports that a passenger train derailed along the Abuja–Kaduna rail corridor on Monday, clarifying that the incident recorded near the Asham axis did not involve a derailment.

In a statement, the corporation explained that a derailment occurs when a train’s wheels leave the track, preventing it from continuing its journey, noting that the train involved in the incident remained firmly on the rail throughout.

According to the NRC, the passenger train was able to proceed safely to Idu Railway Station in Abuja where passengers disembarked without the train leaving the track.

The clarification followed earlier reports suggesting that the train had derailed after reportedly colliding with an object along the rail corridor linking Abuja and Kaduna.

While dismissing the derailment claims, the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) confirmed that it has commenced an investigation into the railway occurrence involving a passenger train operating on the Rigasa–Idu route.

According to the bureau, the incident occurred at about 9:16 a.m. along the Jere–Asham section of the rail line near Asham Station in Kaduna State.

In a statement issued by the NSIB’s Director of Public Affairs and Family Assistance, Mrs. Funke Arowojobe, the train identified as KA2 had departed Rigasa Railway Station in Kaduna for its scheduled trip to Idu Station in Abuja.

The train was operating within its service schedule of 7:15 a.m. to 10:01 a.m., arriving at Jere Station at 8:52 a.m. before departing again at 8:59 a.m. to continue its journey toward the Federal Capital Territory.

The bureau disclosed that upon arrival at Jere Station, a rear locomotive was attached to the train to provide additional operational support for the journey along the corridor.

However, shortly after leaving the station, the rear locomotive became detached while the train was moving along a downward gradient toward the Asham section.

According to the statement, the detached locomotive rolled forward and struck the rear portion of the train, resulting in what investigators described as a serious operational occurrence.

The NSIB said its investigators have begun gathering evidence and analysing data to determine the exact circumstances that led to the incident.

It added that the investigation would focus on technical, operational and infrastructure-related factors, including locomotive attachment systems, train configuration, operational procedures and other relevant operational data.

Commenting on the development, the Director-General of the bureau, Alex Badeh Jr., expressed concern for passengers affected by the incident.

He said the bureau would conduct a thorough investigation to uncover the facts and improve safety in Nigeria’s rail transport system.

Badeh also commended the swift response of personnel of the Nigerian Railway Corporation and emergency teams who assisted passengers following the occurrence.

He assured that the bureau would work closely with the NRC and other relevant agencies to ensure that lessons from the incident contribute to safer railway operations across the country.