Several passengers are feared dead after a train operating on the Warri–Itakpe corridor derailed on Monday.

The exact number of casualties has yet to be officially confirmed, as rescue and assessment efforts continue at the scene of the incident.

Confirming the development, the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) disclosed that emergency personnel and relevant agencies have been mobilised to assist affected passengers and manage the situation.

“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,” the statement signed by the corporation’s managing director and chief executive officer, Kayode Opeifa, partly read.

“The corporation is closely monitoring developments, and a detailed statement will be issued as soon as more information becomes available,” it added.

Authorities are expected to release additional information as investigations and rescue operations progress.