Warri–Itakpe Train Accident Kills Five, Leaves Dozens Injured as Investigation Begins

The Federal Ministry of Transportation and the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) have confirmed the death of five persons and injuries to dozens of passengers following a train accident involving the Warri-Itakpe Train Service (WITS) corridor near Agbor in Delta State.

The tragic incident, which occurred on Monday, involved the derailment and capsizing of multiple coaches carrying hundreds of passengers along one of Nigeria’s busiest rail corridors.

According to a statement issued by the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Transportation, Engr. Funsho Adebiyi, preliminary reports indicate that four coaches capsized while another coach derailed during the accident.

The Ministry disclosed that the crash resulted in the death of five persons, comprising four adults and one infant, while at least 24 passengers sustained serious injuries.

The statement further revealed that a total of 442 passengers had booked for the journey, while 40 crew members, security personnel and third-party service providers were onboard, bringing the total number of persons on the train to 482.

Authorities said emergency response mechanisms were activated immediately after the accident, with rescue and evacuation operations involving multiple agencies and stakeholders.

The operation, which was completed by approximately 6:30 p.m., received 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 (NSCDC), local authorities and other emergency response teams.

The Ministry also acknowledged the contributions of the Senator representing Delta Central Senatorial District, Ede Dafinone and former Delta State Secretary to the State Government, Patrick Ukah, who reportedly participated in rescue efforts.

Beyond the fatalities, several passengers sustained varying degrees of injuries and are currently receiving medical treatment at different healthcare facilities.

The Ministry disclosed that one staff member of the Nigerian Railway Corporation suffered a traumatic limb injury during the incident and is currently receiving treatment in stable condition.

Expressing sympathy over the tragedy, the Federal Ministry of Transportation and the NRC extended condolences to the families of the deceased and wished the injured speedy recovery.

“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 said.

The authorities also commended emergency responders, security agencies, medical personnel, members of the public, and the NRC’s Mechanical Directorate and Special Rescue and Emergency Team for their swift response, which helped prevent further casualties.

Officials disclosed that the complete passenger manifest has been recovered and would be made available to relevant authorities as investigations continue.

Efforts are also ongoing to formally identify all injured passengers and the deceased for documentation and notification of relatives.

Meanwhile, the Federal Ministry of Transportation confirmed that a full-scale investigation has commenced to determine the exact cause of the accident.

Authorities said support services would continue for affected passengers and families while efforts remain focused on accounting for everyone who was onboard the train at the time of the incident.