Four passengers have been confirmed dead with 24 others severely injured in a fatal train accident along the Warri-Itakpe Train Service (WITS) corridor near Agbor, Delta State.
NPO Reported that the tragic incident occurred on Monday after some coaches of the train derailed along the track.
While the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) had yesterday confirmed the incident, a statement issued on Tuesday by the Ministry of Tranpsortation’s Permanent Secretary, Funsho Adebiyi, confirmed the number of casualties involved in the accident following investigation.
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According to Adebiyi, preliminary reports indicated 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.
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.
Adebiyi said rescue and evacuation operations were immediately activated with the support of the Delta State Government, National Emergency Management Authority (NEMA), Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), the Police, Civil Defence, local authorities, security agencies, and other emergency responders, and were completed by 6:30 p.m.
The Transportation Ministry official confirmed that 24 passenhmgers were severely injured amwith one NRC official suffering a traumatic limb injury.
“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.
“Injured passengers were evacuated to medical facilities in Agbor for treatment.” Adebiyi wrote.
Meanwhile, also onboard the ill-fated train, according to Adebiyi, were some senior government officials including Delta Senator, Ede Dafinone.
“Other notable individuals on board included the Senator representing Delta Central Senatorial District, Senator Ede Dafinone, and former Delta State Secretary to the State Government, Hon. Patrick Ukah, among others.” The statement read further.
Adebiyi said effort is ongoing to identify the deceased victims and injured passengers.
“A 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.” He said.
While expressing their condolences to the families of the deceased, the Transportation Minsitry and NRC assured the families of providing necessary support as full investigation into the accident commences.
“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 Corporation also appreciates the swift intervention of 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 who assisted in the rescue efforts.
“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 statement read.
