Train plying Warri-Itakpe derails days after resuming operations
By Jeffrey Agbo
The Nigerian Railways Corporation (NRC) has confirmed that the Warri-Itakpe Train Service derailed on Saturday evening, affecting two out of the seven coaches.
This occurred just three days after service resumed on the 326-kilometer line.
Train service on the route has been suspended since April due to a fault detected on the tracks. Operations only resumed on Wednesday following repairs.
In a statement on Sunday, the NRC management said the incident occurred “at approximately 19:30 hours, involving two out of the seven coaches of our Warri–Itakpe Train Service (WITS) at Kilometer 212+8m, Agbor.”
“Preliminary investigations indicate that the incident may have been caused by suspected track vandalism,” the NRC Managing Director, Dr. Kayode Opeifa said in the statement.
Opeifa, however, stated that all passengers on board were safely evacuated to Agbor, and everyone had been fully accounted for.
“No casualties or injuries were recorded,” he added.
“Our recovery team, supported by security personnel, has been at the site since last night carrying out recovery operations. These efforts are progressing steadily and are expected to be completed soon.
“As a precautionary measure, train services on the corridor have been temporarily suspended today to enable a comprehensive security and safety audit of the track and related infrastructure.
“We sincerely regret any inconvenience this may cause our valued passengers and the general public. Normal operations will resume as soon as it is verified safe to do so,” the statement said.
