The Federal Government has confirmed that four people lost their lives while 24 others sustained serious injuries following Monday’s train accident along the Warri–Itakpe rail corridor near Agbor in Delta State.
The confirmation was made in a statement issued on Tuesday by the Federal Ministry of Transportation through the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC), and signed by the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Funsho Adebiyi.
According to the statement, preliminary investigations revealed that four coaches of the Warri–Itakpe Train Service capsized, while another coach derailed during the incident.
The ministry disclosed that the deceased comprised two adult women, one adult man, and an infant.
“A total of four fatalities have been recorded as a result of the accident, involving two adult females, one adult male, and one infant passenger,” the statement said.
Officials noted that 442 passengers had booked seats on the train, while 40 crew members, security personnel, and third-party service providers were also on board, bringing the total number of occupants to 482.
Emergency responders, including personnel from the Delta State Government, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), the Nigeria Police Force, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, and other agencies, were immediately mobilised to the scene.
The ministry stated that rescue and evacuation operations were successfully concluded by 6:30 p.m., with injured passengers transferred to medical facilities in Agbor for treatment.
Among those on board were the Senator representing Delta Central Senatorial District, Senator Ede Dafinone, and former Delta State Secretary to the State Government, Patrick Ukah.
Authorities further disclosed that 24 passengers suffered severe injuries, while several others sustained minor wounds and are receiving medical attention.
The statement also revealed that an NRC staff member sustained a traumatic limb injury during the accident and remains in stable condition while undergoing treatment.
The Federal Ministry of Transportation and the NRC extended condolences to the families of the deceased and wished the injured a speedy recovery.
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“The Ministry and the Nigerian Railway Corporation express their heartfelt sympathy to the families affected by this tragic incident and appreciate the swift response of emergency agencies, medical personnel, security operatives, and members of the public who assisted in rescue efforts,” the statement added.
Officials confirmed that the train’s passenger manifest has been recovered to support identification and documentation of victims.
The government also announced the commencement of a comprehensive investigation to determine the cause of the accident.
“A full-scale investigation has begun, while efforts continue to account for all passengers and provide necessary support to those affected,” the statement noted.
The accident occurred on Monday when several coaches of the Warri–Itakpe Train Service derailed near Agbor, triggering an emergency response from relevant authorities.
Reacting to the tragedy, the Governor of Delta State, Sheriff Oborevwori, expressed condolences to the bereaved families and directed state officials to coordinate rescue operations and support survivors receiving treatment in hospitals. He described the incident as tragic and assured victims of the state’s continued assistance.