Three passengers have been confirmed dead following the derailment of the Warri–Itakpe Train Service (WITS) in Delta State, raising fresh concerns about rail safety along one of Nigeria’s busiest standard-gauge corridors.
The incident occurred on Monday near Agbor in Ika South Local Government Area of Delta State when four coaches reportedly left the tracks. Emergency responders and officials of the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) were immediately deployed to the scene to assist affected passengers and assess the extent of the damage.
In an initial statement, the NRC confirmed the derailment and said emergency teams were providing support to passengers while the corporation monitored developments. The statement was signed by the NRC Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Kayode Opeifa.
Subsequent updates from official sources confirmed that three passengers lost their lives in the accident. The Presidency also acknowledged the fatalities, stating that rescue and emergency operations were activated immediately after the incident and that all passengers on board had been accounted for.
Reports indicated that dozens of passengers sustained injuries, with some taken to hospitals for treatment. Local accounts suggested that as many as 35 people may have been hospitalised following the derailment.
Authorities have yet to disclose the exact cause of the accident, although investigations are ongoing. The NRC said a comprehensive report would be released after preliminary assessments are completed.
The latest incident comes months after disruptions and safety concerns on the Warri–Itakpe rail corridor, including a derailment in late 2025 that forced a temporary suspension of services.
The Warri–Itakpe rail line, commissioned for passenger operations in 2020, connects Delta State with Kogi State and serves as a critical transportation link for commuters and businesses across the region.
