By Daniel Oluwatobiloba Popoola
The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) has confirmed the death of four passengers and injuries to dozens of others following a train accident on the Warri–Itakpe Train Service (WITS) corridor near Agbor, Delta State.
The accident occurred on Tuesday, 9 June, 2025 when four coaches capsized and one coach derailed along the route, prompting an emergency response involving the Delta State Government, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), the Police, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), local authorities and other rescue agencies.
Evacuation operations were completed by 6:30 p.m., while injured passengers were taken to hospitals in Agbor for treatment.
Confirming the incident in a statement, the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Transportation, Engr. Funsho Adebiyi, said preliminary reports showed that four persons two adult women, one adult man and an infant lost their lives in the accident.
“The Nigerian Railway Corporation regrets to confirm that a serious train accident occurred yesterday along the Warri–Itakpe Train Service corridor near Agbor, Delta State,” the statement read.
“Preliminary reports indicate 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.”
According to the NRC, 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 occupants to 482.
The corporation disclosed that 24 passengers sustained serious injuries, while several others suffered varying degrees of injuries and are receiving medical attention.
“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,” the statement added.
The NRC also reported that one of its staff members suffered a traumatic limb injury during the accident and is currently receiving treatment in stable condition.
Among those on board were Senator Ede Dafinone, representing Delta Central Senatorial District, and former Delta State Secretary to the State Government, Hon. Patrick Ukah.
Meanwhile, the Federal Ministry of Transportation and the NRC expressed condolences to the families of the deceased and wished the injured a 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,” Adebiyi said.
The ministry further commended the Delta State Government, emergency responders, security agencies, medical personnel, the NRC Mechanical Directorate, the Special Rescue and Emergency Team, and members of the public for their swift intervention.
It disclosed that the train’s full manifest had been recovered and would be made available to relevant authorities upon request, while efforts were ongoing to identify all injured and deceased passengers for proper documentation.
The NRC said investigations had commenced to determine the cause of the accident and assured that support would continue for victims and their families.
“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 said.
