Three passengers have been confirmed dead following the derailment of the Warri–Itakpe Train Service (WITS) in Agbor, Delta State, on Monday.
The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) confirmed the incident, stating that emergency response teams and other relevant authorities were immediately deployed to the scene to carry out rescue operations and provide support to affected passengers.
According to the NRC, the accident occurred along the Warri–Itakpe rail corridor in Agbor. The corporation initially disclosed that an incident had occurred involving the train service but said investigations were still ongoing to determine the full extent of the situation.
In an earlier statement signed by the NRC Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Kayode Opeifa, the corporation assured the public that it was closely monitoring developments and would provide further details as more information became available.
“Emergency response teams and relevant authorities are currently at the scene attending to the situation and providing necessary assistance. The Corporation is closely monitoring developments and a detailed statement will be issued as soon as more information becomes available,” the statement noted.
However, a subsequent update issued by the Presidency confirmed that three people lost their lives in the tragic incident.
The statement revealed that rescue and emergency operations were activated immediately after the derailment and that all passengers on board had been accounted for.
It added that authorities are continuing efforts to determine the circumstances surrounding the accident while providing necessary assistance to those affected.
“The Nigerian Railway Corporation has confirmed a serious train accident involving the Warri–Itakpe Train Service corridor at Agbor, Delta State. Rescue and emergency response operations were immediately activated, and all passengers on board have now been accounted for.
“Sadly, three fatalities have been confirmed at this time. Relevant authorities continue to assess the full circumstances surrounding the incident, while support is being provided to affected passengers,” the statement said.
The Presidency expressed condolences to the families of the victims and all Nigerians affected by the tragedy, assuring that investigations into the derailment are ongoing.
Members of the public were also urged to rely only on verified information and official updates from the NRC as authorities continue their response and investigation efforts.
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