The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) has announced that all passengers injured in the June 8 train accident on the Warri-Itakpe rail corridor, except one individual receiving specialist treatment, have been treated and discharged from hospital.
NRC Provides Update on Casualties and Recovery
Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the NRC, Kayode Opeifa, disclosed this in a statement issued on Tuesday in Lagos. He added that all equipment involved in the accident had been successfully recovered.
According to Opeifa, one NRC staff member who sustained severe injuries remains under specialist medical care, while all other injured passengers have recovered sufficiently to leave hospital.
Details of the Accident
The accident occurred at about 4:17 p.m. on June 8 near the Goodluck Jonathan Railway Station in Agbor, Delta State, when four coaches of the train derailed and capsized. The train had departed Itakpe Station at noon on its scheduled journey to Ujevwu in Delta State.
A total of 442 passengers and 40 operational personnel, including train crew, security officers, medical personnel, cleaners, caterers and other support staff, were on board at the time of the incident. Five people lost their lives in the crash, while several others sustained injuries and were taken to hospitals in Agbor and neighbouring communities for treatment.
Condolences and Commendations
Opeifa said the corporation had accounted for all passengers and personnel on the train and expressed condolences to the families of those who died.
“The corporation deeply sympathises with the families of the deceased and will continue to stand by them during this difficult period,” he said.
He also commended the management and medical teams at General Hospital Owa Oyibu, Owa Alero Hospital and Central Hospital, Agbor, for their prompt response and care of the injured. According to him, the hospitals’ professionalism and dedication played a significant role in the successful management of the emergency and recovery of affected passengers.
Support Committee Established
As part of ongoing post-accident efforts, the NRC has established a medical and victim support committee to coordinate assistance for injured passengers, relatives of the deceased and other affected families. The committee has already visited five injured passengers and the family of one deceased victim in Agbor, Asaba and Ugbolu in Delta State. It is also expected to visit Warri to condole with the families of two other deceased passengers and additional injured victims.
Opeifa urged passengers, relatives and members of the public seeking information on passengers, lost property, medical follow-up or other matters related to the incident to contact the NRC Incident Desk through its dedicated telephone lines.
Track Restoration Underway
He further disclosed that with passenger rescue operations and equipment recovery completed, NRC engineers have commenced restoration works on the affected rail track. The NRC boss reaffirmed the corporation’s commitment to cooperating with relevant authorities, implementing recommendations from ongoing investigations and strengthening safety measures to improve the reliability and sustainability of railway operations.
