The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) don confirm say four people lose their lives while 24 others sustain serious injuries after a tragic accident involving the Warri-Itakpe Train Service (WITS) near Agbor, Delta State.
According to a statement from the Federal Ministry of Transportation, the accident happened when four coaches of the train capsized and one coach derailed along the route.
The victims wey die include two women, one man and one infant.
Nearly 500 People Were Onboard
NRC disclose say 442 passengers book the journey, while 40 crew members, security personnel and service providers also dey onboard. This means say a total of 482 people dey inside the train when the accident happened.
Following the incident, emergency response teams quickly moved to the scene.
The rescue operation involved the Delta State Government, NEMA, FRSC, the Nigeria Police Force, Civil Defence and other emergency agencies.
Authorities say all rescue and evacuation efforts were completed by 6:30 p.m., with injured passengers taken to hospitals in Agbor for urgent medical treatment.
Senator Dafinone, Other Top Personalities Onboard
Among the passengers onboard were Ede Dafinone and former Delta State Secretary to the State Government, Patrick Ukah.
NRC said 24 passengers suffered serious injuries, while several others sustained minor injuries and are receiving treatment.
The corporation also confirmed that one of its staff members suffered a severe limb injury but is currently in stable condition.
NRC Mourns Victims
The railway corporation expressed condolences to the families of those who lost their loved ones in the accident.
The agency also thanked the Delta State Government, emergency responders, security agencies, medical workers and members of the public who assisted during the rescue operation.
Investigation Underway
Meanwhile, NRC has recovered the full passenger manifest and said it will be released to relevant authorities when required.
The corporation also announced that a full investigation has begun to determine the cause of the accident.
According to officials, efforts are still ongoing to account for every passenger and provide support to those affected by the tragedy.
The accident has once again raised concerns about railway safety in Nigeria as authorities work to uncover what led to the deadly derailment.
