The Ministry of Transportation has confirmed that four persons lost their lives while 24 others sustained serious injuries following a major accident involving the Warri-Itakpe Train Service (WITS) near Agbor in Delta State on Monday.
According to a statement issued on Tuesday by the Permanent Secretary, Engr. Funsho Adebiyi, the accident occurred when four coaches of the train capsized and another derailed along the corridor.
He said preliminary findings indicated that the deceased comprised two adult females, one adult male and an infant.
“The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) regrets to confirm that a serious train accident occurred yesterday along the Warri-Itakpe Train Service (WITS) corridor near Agbor, Delta State,” the statement said.
According to the Ministry, a total of 442 passengers had booked for the journey, while 40 crew members, security personnel and third-party service providers were also on board, bringing the total number of occupants to 482.
The Ministry disclosed that emergency response mechanisms were activated immediately after the incident, with support from the Delta State Government, National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), the Nigeria Police Force, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), local authorities and other emergency responders.
“Rescue and evacuation operations were immediately activated with the support of the Delta State Government, NEMA, FRSC, the Police, Civil Defence, local authorities, security agencies and other emergency responders, and were completed by 6:30 p.m.,” Adebiyi stated.
He added that injured passengers were evacuated to medical facilities in Agbor for treatment, while one NRC staff member who suffered a traumatic limb injury was receiving treatment and was in stable condition.
The statement also revealed that prominent passengers on board included the Senator representing Delta Central Senatorial District, Senator Ede Dafinone, and a former Secretary to the Delta State Government, Mr. Patrick Ukah.
While 24 passengers were reported to have sustained serious injuries, several others suffered varying degrees of injuries and are currently receiving medical attention.
The Ministry extended condolences to families of the victims and wished the injured speedy recovery.
“The Ministry and the NRC extend their deepest condolences to the families of the deceased and pray for the quick recovery of all those injured,” the statement said.
It further commended the swift intervention of emergency responders, security agencies, medical personnel, members of the public and the Delta State Government for their role in the rescue operations.
The Ministry said the train’s full passenger manifest had been retrieved and would be made available to relevant authorities, while efforts were ongoing to properly identify all injured and deceased persons.
“A full investigation into the cause of the accident has commenced, while efforts will continue to account for all passengers and provide the necessary support to those affected,” Adebiyi added.
