Warri-Itakpe train derailment: 148 evacuated, passenger services suspended

BY MIKE OCHONMA 

Authorities of the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) said on Sunday night  that 148 passengers and 30 crew have been evacuated from the scene of the Warri-Itakpe train derailment.

This is even as the  Corporation announced  suspension of the passenger services until investigation reveals the cause of the train derailment.

In a statement sent to Business AM on Sunday  night, the management confirmed that, there was no fatality and no casualty.

According to the statement signed by the NRC’s co-ordinator for Warri Itakpe train service,  Sanni Abdulganiyu said that, the Warri Itakpe Train Service WITS 01 derailed at km 30 Ajaokuta-Itakpe section of the track at about  12:30hrs of Sunday, January 22 2023.

“Thankfully, there was no fatality and no casualty. We were immediately alerted and security personnel comprising the army, police, NSCDC, and the community vigilante were immediately drafted to the accident point with the assistance of the local government chairman”.

All the 148 passengers and 30 crew members were evacuated to a safe place and arrangements were made to convey them to their various destinations and they have been successfully conveyed.

The cause of the derailment is not yet determined. Due to this incident, the service along the corridor has been suspended. Further details would be communicated to members of the public.

“Repair and operation will resume as soon as possible.”