3 feared dead, casulaties as Warri–Itakpe train derails

No fewer than three passengers have been confirmed dead following the derailment of the Warri–Itakpe Train Service on Monday.

Verifying the incident, the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) disclosed that emergency personnel and relevant agencies have been mobilised to assist affected passengers and manage the situation.

According to reports, the incident occurred at Agbor along the Warri–Itakpe Train Service (WITS) corridor. However, the NRC has said that the situation is being monitored and further updates will be provided.

The NRC said, “The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) confirms that an incident involving the Warri–Itakpe Train Service (WITS) occurred today.

In an official directive personally signed by Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Kayode Opeifa, the corporation said, “Emergency response teams and relevant authorities are currently at the scene attending to the situation and providing necessary assistance.”

It further added that, “The Corporation is closely monitoring developments and a detailed statement will be issued as soon as more information becomes available.”

BACKSTORY…

Meanwhile, the Warri-Itakpe train derailment comes just months after the Abuja-Kaduna train collision.

At least 26 passengers and crew members sustained varying degrees of injuries in the Abuja–Kaduna train mishap on Monday, according to the Nigerian Railway Corporation(NRC).

Providing a precise timeline of the accident via his official X handle on Tuesday, NRC Managing Director Kayode Opeifa revealed that the disruption struck at approximately 9:16 a.m. near Asham Station. When a sudden deafening noise echoed through the area just as a section of the moving train formation violently derailed from the tracks.

He claims that the Kaduna–Abuja service (KA-2) left Rigassa Station at 7:15 a.m. and reached Jere Station at 8:52 a.m., one minute early.

Providing further details, he also added that crews successfully disconnected passenger coach SP0006, power car BVA0002, and locomotive 2809 from the rest of the train assembly.