"News PlatformNG" reports that the Federal Ministry of Transportation and the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) have confirmed that five people lost their lives in the tragic Warri–Itakpe train accident that occurred earlier this week along the Warri–Itakpe Train Service (WITS) corridor near Agbor in Delta State.
The accident, which happened on Monday, June 8, 2026, claimed the lives of four adult passengers and one infant, according to an official statement issued on Wednesday, June 10, by the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Transportation, Engineer Funsho Adebiyi.
The statement revealed that 24 passengers sustained serious injuries, while several others suffered varying degrees of injuries and are currently receiving medical treatment.
“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,” the statement noted.
Authorities disclosed that a total of 442 passengers were booked on the train, while 40 crew members, security personnel, and third-party service providers were also on board, bringing the total number of occupants to 482.
Following the incident, emergency rescue and evacuation operations 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. The operation was successfully completed by 6:30 p.m. on the day of the accident.
Notable individuals who assisted in the rescue efforts included the Senator representing Delta Central Senatorial District, Senator Dafinone, and former Delta State Secretary to the State Government, Hon. Patrick Ukah.
The Ministry further disclosed that one NRC staff member suffered a traumatic limb injury and is currently receiving treatment in stable condition.
The Federal Ministry of Transportation and the NRC expressed their condolences to the families of the deceased and wished those injured a speedy recovery. They also commended emergency responders and members of the public for their swift response and support during the rescue operation.
According to the statement, the full onboard manifest has been retrieved and will be made available to relevant authorities upon request. Efforts are also ongoing to identify all injured and deceased persons for proper documentation.
Meanwhile, a comprehensive investigation into the cause of the accident has commenced, while authorities continue efforts to account for all passengers and provide support to those affected by the tragedy.
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