An Abuja-Kaduna passenger train derailed Tuesday morning, causing panic but no confirmed casualties as rescue operations continue.
A passenger train traveling from Abuja to Kaduna derailed on Tuesday morning, overturning several carriages and sparking panic among passengers.
PUNCH Online gathered the incident occurred along the popular corridor shortly after the train departed Abuja at around 11 a.m. Eyewitnesses described the atmosphere as chaotic, with many passengers scrambling to safety.
One passenger said, “It is a complete pandemonium. People who were confirmed to be saved were seen running in different directions. It was pure panic. We can not confirm if everyone is safe yet but we pray everyone comes out alive.”
Managing Director of the Nigeria Railway Corporation (NRC), Kayode Opeifa, confirmed the derailment in a telephone conversation, noting that rescue operations were ongoing. “I don’t want to say much for now, but the incident is confirmed and the rescue operation is on as we speak,” he stated.
The cause of the derailment remains unclear, though no casualties have been officially reported at press time.