A train on the Warri-Itakpe corridor derailed on Monday near Agbor in Delta State, resulting in four fatalities and multiple injuries. The Nigerian Railway Corporation confirmed that 482 people were on board, including 442 passengers and 40 crew members and security personnel. Four coaches capsized, and one derailed.
Rescue Efforts and Misinformation
Initially, the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Transport, Funsho Adebiyi, stated that Senator Ede Dafinone (Delta Central) and former Delta State Secretary to the State Government, Patrick Ukah, were among the passengers. However, Premium Times later confirmed that the two dignitaries were not on the train but had rushed to the scene to support rescue operations.
Response and Investigation
Adebiyi announced that a full investigation into the cause of the accident has commenced. Rescue and evacuation operations were swiftly activated with support from the Delta State Government, NEMA, FRSC, police, NSCDC, and local authorities. By 6:30 p.m., rescue operations were completed, and injured passengers were taken to medical facilities in Agbor.
Twenty-four serious injuries were recorded, with several others sustaining varying degrees of harm. One NRC staff member suffered a traumatic limb injury and is in stable condition. The Federal Ministry of Transport and NRC expressed condolences to the families of the deceased and wished the injured a speedy recovery.
The full onboard manifest has been retrieved and will be made available to relevant authorities upon request. Efforts are ongoing to identify all injured and deceased persons for proper documentation.
