The Federal Government has confirmed that three people lost their lives in Monday’s train accident involving the Warri-Itakpe Train Service (WITS) in Agbor, Delta State.
The confirmation came Monday evening through an official statement posted on the Presidency’s verified X account, several hours after the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) reported an incident along the rail corridor.
According to the Presidency, emergency rescue operations were swiftly launched following the accident, and all passengers aboard the train have since been accounted for.
“The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) has confirmed a serious train accident involving the Warri-Itakpe Train Service (WITS) corridor at Agbor, Delta State,” the statement read.
“Rescue and emergency response operations were immediately activated. All passengers on board have now been accounted for.”
The Presidency further disclosed that three fatalities had been recorded.
“Sadly, three fatalities have been confirmed at this time,” the statement added.
Authorities said investigations into the incident are ongoing, while support is being provided to affected passengers and the families of the victims.
“Relevant authorities continue to assess the full circumstances surrounding the incident, while support is being provided to affected passengers.
“The thoughts and prayers of all Nigerians are with the victims and their loved ones.”
The government also urged Nigerians to avoid speculation and rely solely on official information from the Nigerian Railway Corporation as inquiries into the accident continue.
“Members of the public are advised to rely only on verified information and official updates from the Nigerian Railway Corporation as investigations and response efforts continue.”
Earlier on Monday, the NRC confirmed that an incident had occurred on the Warri-Itakpe Train Service route and announced the deployment of emergency responders and relevant authorities to the scene.
In a statement signed by the Corporation’s Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Kayode Opeifa, the NRC said personnel were already on ground providing assistance while efforts were underway to establish the full details of the accident.
“The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) confirms that an incident involving the Warri-Itakpe Train Service (WITS) occurred today.
“Emergency response teams and relevant authorities are currently at the scene attending to the situation and providing necessary assistance,” Opeifa stated.
At the time of the NRC’s initial announcement, neither the cause of the accident nor the number of casualties had been disclosed.
The Warri-Itakpe railway corridor is one of Nigeria’s major standard-gauge rail routes, connecting communities across Delta, Edo and Kogi states and serving thousands of passengers every year.
Authorities have yet to determine the cause of the accident as investigations continue.
