ABUJA, Aug. 27 (AGCNewsNet) –- A passenger train travelling from Abuja to Kaduna derailed on Tuesday, overturning several carriages and injuring six passengers in northern Nigeria, according to safety officials.

The incident occurred around kilometre 49 between Kubwa Station and Asham Station, triggering panic among passengers who rushed to exit the affected carriages, according to local media reports.

"It is complete pandemonium. People who were confirmed to be saved were seen running in different directions. It was pure panic," said eyewitness Abubakar, who declined to give his full name.

The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau confirmed six passengers sustained injuries but said no fatalities were recorded. The agency deployed investigators to the site to determine the cause of the accident.

"We deeply sympathise with all who sustained injuries. The bureau has deployed investigators to the site to ensure the root cause of this derailment is uncovered," NSIB Director-General Captain Alex Badeh said in a statement.

"Our commitment is to ensure safer rail transport for Nigerians through a transparent and independent investigation," he added.

The Managing Director of the Nigerian Railway Corporation, Dr. Kayode Opeifa, announced the suspension of train operations on the Abuja-Kaduna route until further notice following the derailment.

Dr. Opeifa told a news conference hours after the incident that technical staff from the corporation were working alongside the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau and other agencies at the derailment site.

He dismissed claims that the trains were not in good condition and said ticket refunds had been initiated for all passengers on board, according to the statement.

"Further information on the cause of the accident will be provided by investigators from the Ministry of Transportation, whose acting Permanent Secretary was also present at the site of the derailment," the safety bureau said.

The derailment occurred without warning, causing confusion and chaos as passengers rushed out of the affected carriages, according to eyewitness accounts reported by local media.

The Abuja-Kaduna rail line is a key transportation route connecting Nigeria's capital with the northern commercial hub of Kaduna.

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