The Federal Government on Tuesday confirmed that four people were killed and 24 others sustained serious injuries in the derailment of the Warri-Itakpe Train Service near Agbor, Delta State.
The accident, which occurred on Monday, involved multiple coaches of the train, prompting a large-scale rescue operation involving federal and state emergency agencies.
In a statement issued by the Federal Ministry of Transportation through the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC), the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Funsho Adebiyi, said preliminary findings indicated that four coaches overturned while one coach derailed.
According to the statement, the victims who lost their lives comprised two adult women, one adult man and an infant.
The ministry disclosed that 482 persons were on board the train at the time of the incident, including 442 ticketed passengers and 40 crew members, security personnel and service providers.
It stated that rescue and evacuation efforts commenced immediately after the accident, with support from the Delta State Government, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), the police, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and other emergency responders.
The statement noted that all rescue operations were completed by 6:30 p.m., while injured passengers were taken to hospitals in Agbor for 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,” the ministry said.
It added that one staff member of the Nigerian Railway Corporation suffered a traumatic limb injury and was receiving treatment in stable condition.
The ministry also revealed that prominent Nigerians were among those on board the train, including Senator and former Delta State SSG, .
While expressing sympathy to the families of those who died, the Federal Government commended emergency responders and volunteers who participated in the rescue mission.
The ministry said the train manifest had been recovered and would assist authorities in identifying victims and documenting all those affected by the accident.
It further disclosed that investigations had begun to determine the immediate and remote causes of the derailment.
Meanwhile, Delta State Governor, , described the incident as tragic and extended condolences to the bereaved families. He also directed relevant state agencies to support ongoing rescue efforts and provide assistance to injured passengers receiving treatment.
The Warri-Itakpe rail line is one of Nigeria's major standard-gauge rail corridors, linking communities and commercial centres across the South-South and North-Central regions. The latest accident has renewed concerns about rail safety and the need for a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the derailment.
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