The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) on Monday averted what could have been a major rail disaster after a minor coach collision occurred on the Abuja–Kaduna route, with services restored the same day.
The incident happened on March 16, 2026, when the Kaduna–Abuja KA-2 train experienced an internal coach impact while approaching Asham Station between kilometre points 50 and 51.
In an interim report, NRC Managing Director, Kayode Opeifa, said the train departed Rigasa Station in Kaduna at 7:15 a.m. and arrived Jere Station at 8:52 a.m., slightly ahead of schedule. It later left Jere at 8:59 a.m. after an additional locomotive was attached to strengthen operations.
At about 9:16 a.m., passengers and crew heard a loud bang when the power car and trailing locomotive made contact with one of the coaches. Preliminary findings indicate that a possible coupler malfunction may have caused a temporary separation between components of the train.
Despite the incident, no part of the train derailed, a development officials attributed to built-in safety systems and the swift response of onboard personnel.
The affected units — locomotive 2809, power car BVA0002, and passenger coach SP0006 — were quickly detached, allowing the remaining coaches to continue the journey safely.
A total of 481 people were onboard, including 429 passengers, 10 crew members, 26 security personnel, six vendors, eight cleaners, and two third-party staff. Authorities confirmed that all occupants were accounted for.
Medical teams attended to passengers, with 26 individuals sustaining minor to moderate injuries.
Following emergency procedures, the train resumed movement at 9:42 a.m., arriving Kubwa at 10:10 a.m. and terminating at Idu Station in Abuja at 10:39 a.m., recording a 38-minute delay.
Rail services on the corridor resumed later in the day. The AK1 service departed Idu Station at 2:48 p.m. and arrived Rigasa at 5:33 p.m., while the KA4 return service left Kaduna at 6:12 p.m., arriving Idu at 8:58 p.m.
Opeifa, who joined the resumed service, reassured passengers of the safety of rail operations as authorities commenced a full technical investigation into the incident.
Railway stakeholders have since praised the NRC’s prompt response and operational efficiency, noting that the absence of derailment and quick restoration of services underscore improvements in Nigeria’s rail system.
