The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) has confirmed that four coaches of the Warri-Itakpe Train Service derailed on Monday, June 8, prompting an emergency response operation at the scene.
In a statement issued by the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the NRC, Kayode Opeifa, the corporation said emergency personnel and other relevant authorities were immediately mobilised to manage the incident and assist passengers.
According to the railway operator, officials are currently on ground coordinating response efforts and monitoring the situation to ensure the safety and welfare of those affected.
“The Nigerian Railway Corporation confirms that an incident involving the Warri-Itakpe Train Service occurred today. Emergency response teams and relevant authorities are currently at the scene attending to the situation and providing necessary assistance,” the statement noted.
Opeifa explained that the incident involved four coaches leaving the rail line, an event known in railway operations as a derailment. He added that the corporation is closely tracking developments and will provide further updates as investigations and assessments continue.
The NRC also appealed to members of the public to remain calm and avoid speculation, urging them to rely on official communication channels for accurate information regarding the incident.
As of the time of filing this report, the cause of the derailment had not been disclosed. The corporation also did not provide details on whether there were injuries or casualties.
The Warri-Itakpe rail corridor is one of Nigeria’s major standard-gauge railway routes, connecting communities across several states and serving both passenger and freight transportation needs. Authorities are expected to release more information as emergency and assessment operations progress.
