A-nine coach standard gauge train heading to Abuja, the nation’s capital, from Kaduna, survived a bomb blast at about 8 am on Thursday.
The explosion happened in the Kaduna section of the estimated 186.5 kilometres track between the two cities.
A source told FIJ that the “attackers had made a failed effort to derail the same train while it was en route Kaduna from Abuja the previous night (Wednesday)”.
“They shot at the driver and the train’s fuel tank,” he said. “The front glasses are now shattered.”
FIJ further gathered that the explosion would have derailed the train but for the thickness of the locomotive engine which is about 160 tonnes.
Although the number of passengers was yet to be confirmed, FIJ understands that the affected train has three first-class coaches with 56 seats and six economy coaches with 88 seats. However, no casuality was recorded in the attack.
An employee of the corporation who confirmed the incident to FIJ said the details were yet sketchy.
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