A devastating accident has struck Nigeria’s flagship Warri-Itakpe Train Service (WITS), leaving four people dead and at least 24 others seriously injured after multiple coaches overturned near Agbor in Delta State.
The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) confirmed on Tuesday that four coaches capsized while another derailed during the incident, triggering a massive rescue operation involving federal and state emergency agencies.
Among those killed were two adult women, one adult man and an infant, according to preliminary reports released by the Federal Ministry of Transportation.
The accident occurred with 482 people onboard, including 442 passengers and 40 crew members, security personnel and third-party service providers.
Confirming the tragedy, the NRC described the incident as a serious rail accident and expressed condolences to the families of the victims.
“The Nigerian Railway Corporation regrets to confirm that a serious train accident occurred yesterday along the Warri-Itakpe Train Service corridor near Agbor, Delta State,” the corporation said in a statement.
Emergency response teams were immediately deployed to the scene, 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, local authorities and other first responders.
According to the statement, rescue and evacuation operations were completed by 6:30 p.m., with injured passengers transported to medical facilities in Agbor for treatment.
“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,” the NRC disclosed.
The corporation also revealed that one of its staff members suffered a traumatic limb injury during the accident and is currently receiving treatment in stable condition.
Among the passengers onboard the train were prominent figures, including Senator Ede Dafinone, who represents Delta Central Senatorial District, and former Delta State Secretary to the State Government, Patrick Ukah.
The extent of injuries sustained by some passengers is still being assessed as authorities continue efforts to account for everyone who was on the train.
The NRC praised emergency responders and volunteers who participated in the rescue operation, acknowledging the swift intervention of security agencies, medical personnel and members of the public.
“The Ministry and the NRC extend their deepest condolences to the families of the deceased and pray for the quick recovery of all those injured,” the statement added.
Authorities disclosed that the full passenger manifest has been retrieved and will be made available to relevant agencies as investigations continue.
Efforts are also ongoing to formally identify all injured and deceased persons for proper documentation and notification of relatives.
Meanwhile, the Federal Ministry of Transportation has ordered a comprehensive investigation into the cause of the accident.
“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,” the ministry stated.
The incident marks one of the most serious accidents on the Warri-Itakpe rail corridor in recent years and is likely to raise fresh concerns about rail safety, infrastructure maintenance and operational standards on one of Nigeria’s busiest passenger rail routes.
