A train carrying passengers from Lagos to Kano on Monday derailed in Maikunkele, Bosso Local Government Area of Niger state leaving several number of persons injured.

The incident occurred between Maikunkele and Jangaru at about 1.30 pm.

According to eyewitnesses, the canteen and the second class coaches fell off the rail while first-class coaches attached to the engine were not mostly affected. Five coaches in all were affected.

It was gathered that the train had been on the way from Lagos in the past four days.

The passengers, according to eyewitnesses, in a struggle to save their lives jumped through the window and got injured in the process.

It was gathered that the accident was caused by cattle crossing the railway and the train ran into them.

Some of the passengers who were not injured were looking for vehicles to convey them into Minna for them to continue their journey to Kano.

Our correspondent gathered that an ambulance from the Nigeria Railway Corporation had come to carry the injured passengers to the hospital for treatment.

Efforts to get the staff of the Nigeria Railway Corporation to comment on the incident proved abortive as at the time of filing this report.

PUNCH