UPDATE: NRC Launches Probe Into Agbor Rail Disaster as Death Toll Rises to 4, 24 Injured

A tragic rail accident along Nigeria’s increasingly busy Warri–Itakpe corridor has claimed four lives and left dozens injured after multiple coaches derailed and overturned near Agbor in Delta State.

The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) confirmed the incident in an official statement, describing it as a serious accident that triggered a large-scale emergency response involving federal and state authorities.

According to preliminary findings, four coaches capsized while another coach derailed during the journey, resulting in the deaths of four passengers comprising two adult women, one adult male and an infant.

The train was carrying 442 passengers at the time of the accident. In addition, 40 crew members, security personnel and service providers were on board, bringing the total number of occupants to 482. Emergency response teams moved swiftly to the scene as reports of the accident emerged.

The rescue operation involved personnel from the Delta State Government, National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Nigeria Police Force, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), medical teams and local authorities.

Officials disclosed that all evacuation operations were successfully completed by 6:30 p.m. with injured passengers transported to medical facilities in Agbor and neighbouring communities for urgent treatment.

As of the latest official update, at least 24 passengers sustained serious injuries, while several others suffered varying degrees of trauma. Among those injured was an NRC staff member who reportedly sustained a traumatic limb injury and remains under medical care in stable condition.

The train was also carrying several prominent Nigerians, including Senator Ede Dafinone, who represents Delta Central Senatorial District, and former Delta State Secretary to the State Government, Patrick Ukah.

Authorities have not indicated whether either of the notable passengers suffered injuries. The NRC expressed profound sadness over the loss of lives and extended condolences to the families of the deceased.

“The Corporation extends its deepest condolences to the families of those who lost their lives and wishes all injured passengers a speedy recovery,” the statement said.

Officials also praised emergency responders and members of the public whose swift intervention helped prevent what could have been a significantly higher casualty figure.

The Warri–Itakpe rail line remains one of Nigeria’s most important standard-gauge railway corridors, connecting key commercial and industrial centres across several states. Its growing popularity has made safety and operational efficiency increasingly important as passenger traffic continues to rise.

In response to the accident, transportation authorities have launched a comprehensive investigation to determine the cause of the derailment.

Engineers, safety inspectors and railway experts are expected to examine technical, operational and environmental factors that may have contributed to the incident.

The NRC confirmed that the full passenger manifest has been retrieved and that efforts are continuing to identify all injured and deceased persons for proper documentation and notification of families.

As investigations proceed, questions are likely to focus on rail safety standards, maintenance procedures and infrastructure conditions across the country’s expanding railway network.

For now, attention remains on supporting victims and their families as authorities work to uncover what led to one of the most serious rail accidents on the Warri–Itakpe corridor in recent years.