FG confirms four dead, 24 injured in Warri–Itakpe train derailment

The federal government has confirmed the death of four persons and serious injuries to 24 others following a train accident along the Warri–Itakpe rail corridor near Agbor, Delta State.

The confirmation was contained in a statement issued on Tuesday by the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) through the Federal Ministry of Transportation and signed by the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Funsho Adebiyi.

According to the statement, preliminary findings revealed that four coaches capsized while another coach derailed during the incident.

“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.

It added, “Preliminary reports indicate that four coaches capsized while one coach derailed, resulting in the unfortunate loss of four lives, comprising two adult females, one adult male, and one infant passenger.”

The ministry disclosed that a total of 482 persons were on board the train, including 442 passengers and 40 crew members, security personnel, and third-party service providers.

“A total of 442 passengers were booked on the train, while 40 crew members, security personnel, and third-party service providers were also on board, bringing the total number of persons on the train to 482,” the statement read.

Rescue and evacuation efforts were promptly initiated with support from the Delta State Government and multiple emergency response agencies, including the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), the police, and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps.

“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. Injured passengers were evacuated to medical facilities in Agbor for treatment,” the ministry stated.

The statement also noted that notable passengers on board included Senator Ede Dafinone, representing Delta Central Senatorial District, and a former Secretary to the Delta State Government, Hon. Patrick Ukah.

It further disclosed that, in addition to the fatalities, 24 passengers sustained serious injuries, while several others suffered varying degrees of injuries and are currently receiving treatment.

“As of the time of this release, 24 serious injuries have been recorded, while several other passengers sustained varying degrees of injuries and are receiving medical attention. One NRC staff member suffered a traumatic limb injury and is currently receiving treatment and is reported to be in stable condition,” the statement added.

The ministry expressed condolences to the families of the deceased and wished the injured a 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,” it said, while commending the swift response of emergency agencies and members of the public.

Authorities also confirmed that the passenger manifest has been retrieved to aid identification and documentation efforts.

“The full onboard manifest has been retrieved and will be made available upon request by the relevant authorities. Efforts are ongoing to identify all the injured and deceased persons for proper documentation,” the statement noted.

The Federal Government added that a full investigation into the cause of the accident has commenced, assuring that all affected passengers will receive necessary support.

The derailment occurred on Monday, prompting an emergency response as officials worked to rescue victims and secure the scene.

Meanwhile, Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori has expressed condolences to the families of the victims and directed state officials to support ongoing rescue and medical efforts, describing the incident as tragic.