Panic At Abuja Train Station As Fire Erupts, NRC Breaks Silence

The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) has assured passengers that a minor fire incident at the Idu Train Station in Abuja did not disrupt operations on the Abuja-Kaduna rail route.

According to Bush Radio Academy, the incident occurred on Wednesday evening at about 8:30 p.m. in the station’s low-voltage electrical room and was quickly brought under control by maintenance personnel.

The NRC’s Chief Public Relations Officer, Callistus Unyimadu, said a preliminary assessment showed that some electrical supply cables connected to the station’s control panels were damaged in the incident.

He, however, disclosed that the station’s alternative solar power system was not affected by the fire, while efforts were immediately made to restore power to affected facilities.

According to the NRC, power was temporarily restored to the station’s lifts and escalators, with five of the six facilities operational. Other reports put the number at 28 of 29 individual lift and escalator facilities, reflecting the station’s multiple units.

Unyimadu assured passengers that the incident had no impact on Abuja-Kaduna train services, adding that scheduled operations would continue as normal.

He said the corporation’s technical team was carrying out further assessments to determine the precise cause of the electrical fault and permanently restore the affected installations.

The NRC also notified the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC) about the incident to provide the necessary technical support and assistance during the restoration process.

The corporation has urged passengers not to be alarmed by the incident, assuring them that appropriate measures were being taken to address the electrical fault and ensure the continued safe operation of the train service.