Three persons were feared dead on Monday while no fewer than 35 others sustained injuries after a passenger train operating on the Warri-Itakpe route derailed in Agbor, Ika South Local Government Area of Delta State.
The incident, which caused panic among passengers and residents, reportedly occurred when four coaches of the train veered off the tracks.
Details surrounding the cause of the accident were still sketchy as of the time of filing this report.
Sources said emergency responders, security personnel and residents swiftly mobilised to the scene to rescue trapped passengers and evacuate the injured to nearby medical facilities.
The Chairman of Ika North-East Local Government Council, Monday Odigwe, confirmed that 35 injured passengers were receiving treatment in three hospitals across the area.
According to him, 13 victims were admitted at Central Hospital, Agbor, while 12 others were receiving medical care at General Hospital, Owa-Oyibu.
He added that another 10 injured passengers were being treated at General Hospital, Owa-Alero.
Odigwe disclosed that relevant authorities had assured local officials that efforts would commence on Tuesday to recover and reposition the affected train coaches.
Reacting to the tragedy, Delta State Governor, , expressed grief over the accident, describing it as both unfortunate and heartbreaking.
In a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, , the governor sympathised with the families of the deceased and wished the injured a speedy recovery.
Oborevwori said the loss of lives was a painful development for the affected families and the state, assuring residents that the government had activated emergency response measures and deployed relevant agencies to provide assistance to victims and manage the situation effectively.