Warri-Itakpe Train Derailment: Transport Ministry Confirms Four Dead, 24 Injured as Investigation Begins

The Federal Ministry of Transportation has confirmed that four people, including an infant, lost their lives in Monday's train accident along the Warri-Itakpe railway corridor in Delta State.

The accident occurred after a passenger train derailed near Agbor, triggering an emergency response operation involving multiple government agencies and rescue teams. Earlier reports from the Presidency had indicated that three people died in the incident.

However, in a statement issued on Tuesday, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Transportation, Funsho Adebiyi, disclosed that the death toll had risen to four.

According to the statement, preliminary findings showed that four coaches capsized while one coach derailed during the accident.

"Preliminary reports indicate that four coaches capsized while one coach derailed, resulting in the unfortunate loss of four lives, comprising two adult females, one adult male, and one infant passenger," the statement read.

The ministry stated that 442 passengers had booked the train journey, while an additional 40 crew members, security personnel, and third-party service providers were on board, bringing the total number of occupants to 482.

It added that rescue and evacuation efforts were immediately launched with support 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 (NSCDC), local authorities, and other emergency responders.

According to the ministry, the rescue operation was concluded by 6:30 p.m., with injured passengers evacuated to medical facilities in Agbor for treatment.

The statement revealed that 24 people sustained serious injuries, while several others suffered varying degrees of injuries and are currently receiving medical attention.

Among the passengers on board were Senator Ede Dafinone, representing Delta Central Senatorial District, and Patrick Ukah, former Secretary to the Delta State Government.

The ministry also disclosed that a staff member of the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) suffered a traumatic limb injury but remains in stable condition while receiving treatment.

The Ministry of Transportation and the NRC extended their condolences to the families of those who lost their lives and wished the injured a speedy recovery.

They also commended the Delta State Government, emergency response agencies, security operatives, the NRC Mechanical Directorate, the Special Rescue and Emergency Team, medical personnel, and members of the public for their swift response and support during the rescue operation.

The ministry noted that the complete passenger manifest had been retrieved and would be made available to relevant authorities when required. It added that efforts were ongoing to identify all injured and deceased persons for proper documentation.

Meanwhile, authorities have commenced a full investigation to determine the cause of the derailment and prevent similar incidents in the future.