Naija News • 2h ago
Train accident sparks passenger safety fears on Abuja-Kaduna route
**Train Accident Triggers Concerns over Safety on Abuja-Kaduna Route**
A recent train accident on the Abuja-Kaduna route has left many passengers shaken and questioning the safety protocols in place. On Monday, a train encountered technical difficulties near Asham, leaving 22 passengers injured and hundreds stranded.
According to reports, the train services on the corridor were temporarily suspended to allow for emergency response and repairs. Passengers who spoke to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) after the incident shared their harrowing experiences, calling for stricter safety measures to prevent such accidents in the future.
Ibrahim Musa, one of the passengers, described the moment of impact as sudden and chaotic, saying that the train's rear jolted violently, causing panic among travellers. Musa urged the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) to prioritize routine technical inspections, particularly when coupling locomotives, to prevent similar incidents.
Another passenger, Grace Daniel, recounted how the accident caused panic, especially among those in the rear coach, where most of the injuries occurred. Daniel appealed to the NRC to improve communication with passengers during emergencies and provide safety briefings before departure, which she believes would help reduce anxiety and chaos in such situations.
An NRC official in Kaduna attributed the accident to a coupling issue involving a backup locomotive attached to the train. While the railway corporation has yet to release a comprehensive statement on the incident, the official's comments suggest that technical failures may be a recurring issue on the Abuja-Kaduna route.
The incident has sparked concerns among passengers and raised questions about the NRC's ability to maintain safe rail services. As Nigeria's rail network continues to expand, ensuring the safety of passengers will be crucial in building trust and confidence in the service. The NRC must take these concerns seriously and implement measures to prevent such accidents from happening again.