The Warri-Itakpe Train Service, a standard gauge line operated by the Nigerian Railway Corporation, derailed on Saturday evening, affecting two of its seven coaches.

The incident occurred just three days after train operations resumed on the 326-kilometre route.

The Management of the NRC confirmed the derailment in a statement on Sunday, noting that it occurred around 7:30 p.m. at Kilometer 212+8m in Agbor and involved two of the seven coaches of the WTS.

“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, assured that all passengers on board were safely evacuated to Agbor and that every individual had been fully accounted for.

“No casualties or injuries were recorded,” he noted.

“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.

It was earlier reported that the NRC had suspended service on the route since April after engineers detected a fault on the tracks and were mobilised to carry out repairs.