KEY POINTS
• Three passengers confirmed dead in train accident
• Emergency teams deployed to rescue affected travellers
• Investigation underway into cause of derailment
Three passengers have been confirmed dead following the derailment of a train operating on the Warri–Itakpe rail corridor, marking one of the most serious rail accidents in Nigeria in recent months.
The incident occurred on Monday along the Warri–Itakpe Train Service route, prompting an immediate emergency response from the Nigerian Railway Corporation and other relevant authorities.
The Nigerian Railway Corporation confirmed the accident in an official statement issued by its Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Kayode Opeifa.
According to the corporation, emergency response teams were swiftly deployed to the scene to assist passengers, assess the situation, and coordinate rescue efforts.
The NRC said it was closely monitoring developments and working with relevant agencies to ensure that all affected passengers received the necessary support.
The corporation also assured the public that more information would be released as investigations and recovery operations progressed.
Presidency Confirms Death Toll
The Presidency later confirmed that three passengers lost their lives in the accident.
In a statement released through its official X account, it disclosed that rescue and emergency operations were activated immediately after the derailment occurred along the rail corridor near Agbor in Delta State.
The statement noted that all passengers on board had been accounted for following the incident.
While expressing sympathy to the families of the victims, the Presidency said authorities were continuing efforts to determine the full circumstances surrounding the accident and provide assistance to those affected.
The government also urged Nigerians to rely on verified information from official sources while investigations continue.
As of the time of reporting, officials had not disclosed the exact cause of the derailment.
Railway authorities said technical experts and investigators were examining the scene to establish what led to the accident.
The findings of the investigation are expected to guide future safety measures and operational decisions on the rail network.
The derailment comes barely one month after the Nigerian Railway Corporation temporarily suspended operations on the Warri–Itakpe Train Service.
At the time, the corporation explained that the suspension was necessary to allow engineers conduct critical operational assessments and implement technical recommendations aimed at improving safety and reliability on the route.
The NRC had stated that the temporary halt in operations was part of efforts to strengthen service delivery and ensure the continued safe movement of passengers along the corridor.
The latest accident is likely to raise fresh concerns about railway safety and infrastructure maintenance, particularly on one of Nigeria’s busiest standard-gauge rail lines.
