The Federal Ministry of Transportation and the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) on Wednesday announced that the total number of deaths recorded in the Warri–Itakpe train accident is five, comprising four adult passengers and one baby.
This follows the train accident that occurred on the Warri–Itakpe Train Service (WITS) corridor near Agbor, Delta State, on Monday, which the Ministry and the NRC said they deeply regret.
In a statement signed by the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Transportation, Engineer Funsho Adebiyi, it was disclosed that 24 passengers sustained serious injuries, while several others suffered varying degrees of injuries and are currently receiving medical attention.
According to the statement, “Preliminary reports indicate that four coaches capsized while one coach derailed, resulting in the unfortunate loss of five lives comprising four adults and one baby.”
It added that a total of 442 passengers were booked on the train, while 40 crew members, security personnel and third-party service providers were on board, bringing the total number of persons on the train to 482.
Rescue and evacuation operations were immediately activated with the support of the Delta State Government, NEMA, FRSC, the Police, Civil Defence, local authorities, and other emergency responders, and were completed by 6:30pm. Others who assisted included Senator representing Delta Central Senatorial District, Senator Dafinone, and former Delta State SSG, Hon. Patrick Ukah, among others.
As at the time of the release, 24 serious injuries had been recorded, while several other passengers sustained varying degrees of injuries and were receiving medical attention.
One NRC staff member reportedly suffered a traumatic limb injury and is currently receiving treatment in stable condition.
The Ministry and the NRC extended condolences to the families of the deceased and prayed for the quick recovery of all those injured. They also commended the swift intervention of emergency responders and members of the public who assisted in the rescue efforts.
The full onboard manifest has been retrieved and will be made available to relevant authorities upon request, while efforts are ongoing to identify all injured and deceased persons for proper documentation.
A full investigation into the cause of the accident has commenced, while efforts continue to account for all passengers and provide support to those affected.
