NRC Managing Director, Kayode Opeifa, confirmed the suspension while addressing journalists in Abuja, just hours after the incident occurred. According to him, an investigation is currently underway, involving NRC technical staff, the Nigeria Safety Investigation Bureau, NSIB, and other relevant agencies.

Opeifa dismissed reports suggesting that the train was in poor condition and assured the public that full ticket refunds are being processed for all affected passengers.

He disclosed that six passengers sustained minor injuries and have received medical attention. However, the exact number of passengers on board at the time of the derailment has not yet been confirmed.

The derailment occurred shortly after the train departed Abuja around 11:00 a.m. en route to Kaduna. Eyewitness accounts from passengers describe a chaotic scene, with people scrambling for safety as the train came to a halt.

Read More: Abuja-Kaduna Train Derails, Sparks Panic Among Passengers

The NRC chief also visited affected passengers at Asham Station and the Idu Train Station in Abuja.

Meanwhile, the NSIB has launched a formal investigation into the derailment. According to the Bureau’s Director of Public Affairs and Family Assistance, Bimbo Oladeji, preliminary findings confirm that six people were injured, with no fatalities reported.

A response team has been deployed to the site to collect evidence with relevant stakeholders. NSIB Director General, Alex Badeh Jr., expressed sympathy to those affected.

Source: Channels