The devastating train accident along the Warri–Itakpe railway corridor on Monday has left families grieving, survivors recounting moments of terror, and authorities racing to uncover what went wrong.
Among the 482 people on board the ill-fated train were Senator Ede Dafinone, who represents Delta Central Senatorial District, and a former Secretary to the Delta State Government, Mr Patrick Ukah. Both were listed among the passengers as emergency responders mounted a large-scale rescue operation following the crash.
The accident, which occurred near Agbor in Delta State, claimed four lives after four coaches capsized and another derailed, marking one of the most serious incidents on the rail line in recent times.
Confirming the tragedy, the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Transport, Mr Funsho Adebiyi, said the government had launched a full investigation into the cause of the accident.
According to him, “Preliminary reports indicate that four coaches capsized while one coach derailed, resulting in unfortunate loss of four lives, comprising two adult females, one adult male and one infant passenger.
“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.
“Notable individuals on board include the Senator representing Delta Central Senatorial District, Sen. Ede Dafinone, and a former Secretary to Delta State Government, Mr Patrick Ukah.”
As news of the accident spread, emergency teams swung into action. Rescue and evacuation efforts involved the Delta State Government, the National Emergency Management Agency, the Federal Road Safety Corps, the Nigeria Police Force, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, local authorities and other emergency responders.
Adebiyi said the coordinated operation ensured that victims were quickly evacuated from the wreckage.
“The rescue and emergency operations were completed by 6.30 p.m.,” he said.
The injured were taken to medical facilities in Agbor, where they are receiving treatment. While many escaped with minor injuries, others remain under close medical observation.
Giving an update on the casualties, Adebiyi said:
“As at the time of this release, 24 serious injuries were 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.”
The Federal Ministry of Transport and the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) have expressed condolences to the families who lost loved ones and wished those injured a speedy recovery.
Adebiyi also acknowledged the efforts of the agencies and individuals who participated in the rescue mission.
“The corporation also appreciates the swift intervention of the Delta State Government, emergency responders, security agencies, NRC Mechanical Directorate, Special Rescue and Emergency Team, medical personnel, and members of the public who assisted in the rescue efforts.
“The full onboard manifest has been retrieved and will be made available upon request by relevant authorities.
“Efforts are ongoing to identify all the injured and deceased persons for proper documentation,”** he said.
As investigators work to determine the circumstances surrounding the derailment, the tragedy has renewed attention on railway safety and emergency preparedness, even as families await answers and survivors come to terms with the ordeal.
