According to the Presidency, emergency rescue operations were immediately activated after the accident, with authorities accounting for all passengers who were on board the train.
The President Bola Tinubu-led Nigerian government has confirmed that three people died following a train accident involving the Warri–Itakpe Train Service (WITS) corridor in Agbor, Delta State, South South Nigeria.
The confirmation was made on Monday evening in an official statement issued through the Presidency’s verified X account, hours after the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) announced that an incident had occurred along the rail corridor.
According to the Presidency, emergency rescue operations were immediately activated after the accident, with authorities accounting for all passengers who were on board the train.
“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 said.
“Rescue and emergency response operations were immediately activated. All passengers on board have now been accounted for.”
The Presidency disclosed that three people lost their lives in the accident.
“Sadly, three fatalities have been confirmed at this time,” the statement added.
It noted that relevant authorities were still assessing the circumstances surrounding the incident while support was being provided to affected passengers and their families.
“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 members of the public to avoid speculation and rely only on verified information from the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) as investigations 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 had confirmed that an incident involving the Warri–Itakpe Train Service occurred and said emergency response teams and relevant authorities had been deployed to the scene.
In a statement signed by the NRC Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Kayode Opeifa, the corporation said personnel were providing necessary assistance while efforts were ongoing to determine 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 had said.
At the time of the NRC’s initial statement, the nature of the accident and the number of casualties had not been disclosed.
The Warri–Itakpe railway corridor is one of Nigeria’s major standard-gauge rail lines, linking communities across Delta, Edo and Kogi states and serving thousands of passengers annually.
Authorities have yet to release details on the cause of the accident, while investigations remain ongoing.
Source: Sahara Reporters
