VIDEO: Warri–Itakpe train tragedy: Four die, 24 injured, as Senator Dafinone, Patrick Ukah survive. By Dally Iyamu
VIDEO: Warri–Itakpe train tragedy: Four die, 24 injured, as Senator Dafinone, Patrick Ukah survive
By Dally Iyamu
Four passengers, including an infant, were confirmed dead while 24 others sustained serious injuries after a train conveying 482 persons derailed along the Warri–Itakpe corridor near Agbor in Delta State, the Federal Government has said.
The confirmation was contained in a statement issued on Tuesday by the Federal Ministry of Transportation and signed by the Permanent Secretary, Funsho Adebiyi, on behalf of the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC).
According to the ministry, preliminary investigations revealed that four coaches capsized while another coach derailed during the incident.
“The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) regrets to confirm that a serious train accident occurred yesterday along the Warri–Itakpe Train Service (WITS) corridor near Agbor, Delta State,” the statement said.
It added that the accident resulted in the death of four passengers, comprising two adult females, one adult male and an infant.
“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 noted.
The ministry disclosed that a total of 482 persons were on board the train at the time of the accident, including 442 passengers and 40 crew members, security personnel and third-party service providers.
“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 persons on the train to 482,” it stated.
Rescue and evacuation operations were immediately activated with support from the Delta State Government and emergency response agencies.
According to the ministry, the operation involved the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), the Police, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), local authorities and other emergency responders.
“Rescue and evacuation operations were immediately activated with the support of the Delta State Government, NEMA, FRSC, the Police, Civil Defence, local authorities, security agencies and other emergency responders, and were completed by 6:30 p.m. Injured passengers were evacuated to medical facilities in Agbor for treatment,” the statement said.
Among the passengers on board the train were Senator Ede Dafinone and former Delta State Commissioner, Hon. Patrick Ukah.
The ministry further disclosed that 24 passengers sustained serious injuries, while several others suffered varying degrees of injuries and are currently receiving medical attention.
“As of the time of this release, 24 serious injuries have been recorded, while several other passengers sustained varying degrees of injuries and are receiving medical attention.
One NRC staff member suffered a traumatic limb injury and is currently receiving treatment and is reported to be in stable condition,” it added.
The Ministry of Transportation and the NRC extended condolences to the families of the deceased and wished the injured a speedy recovery.
The corporation also commended the Delta State Government, emergency responders, security agencies, the NRC Mechanical Directorate, the Special Rescue and Emergency Team, medical personnel and members of the public for their swift response to the incident.
To aid identification and documentation, the ministry said the passenger manifest had been recovered and would be made available to relevant authorities upon request.
“The full onboard manifest has been retrieved and will be made available upon request by the relevant authorities.
Efforts are ongoing to identify all the injured and deceased persons for proper documentation,” the statement said.
The ministry further disclosed that a full-scale investigation had commenced to determine the cause of the derailment.
“A full investigation into the cause of the accident has commenced, while efforts will continue to account for all passengers and provide the necessary support to those affected,” it stated.
Meanwhile, Delta State Governor, , has expressed condolences to the families of the victims and directed relevant state agencies to prioritise rescue operations and provide support for survivors.
