NRC halts Warri-Itakpe rail operations due to engine failure

The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) has announced a temporary suspension of train services along the Warri-Itakpe corridor, following a significant technical disruption.

The issue, which occurred on April 9, was caused by a failure in the train engine, the NRC explained in a statement issued on Thursday, signed by its Public Relations Officer, Henrietta Eregare.

To address the situation, NRC has suspended operations for a 72-hour period, allowing its technical team to conduct a thorough inspection, resolve the problems, and ensure the safe resumption of services.

The disruption, which began at approximately 1:38 PM, affected both the 8:00 AM departure from Warri and the 2:00 PM train from Itakpe.

While emergency recovery measures were immediately put into action, the engine failure hampered efforts to restore normal service.

The NRC swiftly arranged for the safe evacuation of passengers, providing alternative road transport, and ensuring adequate security.

Passengers were escorted to vehicles located around 500 meters from the train, with some opting to arrange their own transport due to delays in the recovery process.

The corporation assured those holding tickets for affected services that they are entitled to a full refund or the option to revalidate their tickets for future travel.

“Passengers can find further details about the refund and revalidation process on the NRC’s online platforms, through customer service, or at NRC stations.”

NRC expressed regret for the inconvenience caused by this unforeseen disruption and emphasized its commitment to restoring normal operations as soon as possible.

The corporation reiterated its dedication to ensuring the safety, reliability, and comfort of all passengers and thanked the public for their understanding and patience.