The Federal Government has confirmed that four people died and 24 others sustained serious injuries following the derailment of the Warri–Itakpe Train Service (WITS) near Agbor, Delta State. The confirmation was contained in a statement issued through the Federal Ministry of Transportation and the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) on Tuesday.
According to the government, preliminary investigations revealed that four coaches capsized while another coach derailed during the accident. The victims who lost their lives were identified as two adult women, one adult man, and an infant.
Officials disclosed that the train had 442 booked passengers, while 40 crew members, security personnel, and service providers were also on board, bringing the total number of occupants to 482.
The government said rescue and evacuation operations were launched immediately with support from the Delta State Government, NEMA, FRSC, the Police, Civil Defence, and other emergency agencies. All passengers were accounted for, and injured victims were taken to medical facilities in Agbor for treatment.
Among those on board were Senator Ede Dafinone, who represents Delta Central Senatorial District, and former Delta State Secretary to the State Government, Patrick Ukah.
A full investigation into the cause of the derailment has commenced. Earlier reports had indicated three fatalities, but the Federal Government’s latest update revised the death toll to four and confirmed 24 serious injuries.
The government expressed condolences to the families of the victims and assured the public that efforts are underway to determine the cause of the accident and prevent similar incidents in the future.
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