Three passengers have been confirmed dead following the derailment of a train on the Warri–Itakpe Train Service on Monday, throwing travellers into panic and prompting an emergency response from authorities.
The incident involved the Warri–Itakpe Train Service, operated by the Nigerian Railway Corporation, which said rescue teams had been deployed to the scene immediately after the accident.
In a statement confirming the development, NRC Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Kayode Opeifa, said emergency responders and relevant agencies were already attending to affected passengers and working to stabilise the situation.
“The Nigerian Railway Corporation confirms that an incident involving the Warri–Itakpe Train Service occurred today. Emergency response teams and relevant authorities are currently at the scene attending to the situation and providing necessary assistance,” the statement said.
Although details remain sketchy as of press time, sources indicated that the derailment led to multiple injuries in addition to the fatalities. Rescue operations were ongoing, while survivors were being evacuated and provided medical attention.
The corporation added that it was closely monitoring developments and would issue a comprehensive report once preliminary assessments were concluded.
“The Corporation is closely monitoring developments and a detailed statement will be issued as soon as more information becomes available,” it added.
The cause of the derailment had not been officially confirmed, but railway officials and safety investigators were expected to commence a probe into possible mechanical failure or track-related issues.
The Warri–Itakpe rail corridor, one of Nigeria’s key standard gauge train routes, has recorded increasing passenger traffic in recent years, as commuters turn to rail transport amid rising road insecurity and fuel costs.
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