Three persons have been confirmed dead following the derailment of a train at the Warri–Itakpe Train Service (WITS) corridor in Agbor, Delta State.
The confirmation came on Monday evening via an official statement on the Presidency’s verified X account, hours after the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) announced that an incident had occurred along the rail corridor.
According to the statement, emergency rescue operations were immediately activated after the accident, with authorities accounting for all passengers who were on board the train.
Meanwhile, the Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, in a swift reaction, has expressed deep sorrow over the tragic train accident and commiserated with the families of the deceased.
Disclosing that 35 injured passengers were receiving medical attention across three hospitals in the state, the state government prayed for their speedy recovery.
Confirming the accident, the presidency said, “The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) has confirmed a serious train accident involving the Warri–Itakpe Train Service (WITS) corridor at Agbor, Delta State.
“Rescue and emergency response operations were immediately activated. All passengers on board have now been accounted for.”
Disclosing that “Sadly, three fatalities have been confirmed at this time,” the statement said “Relevant authorities continue to assess the full circumstances surrounding the incident, while support is being provided to affected passengers.
“The thoughts and prayers of all Nigerians are with the victims and their loved ones.”
The authorities also advised members of the public “to rely only on verified information and official updates from the Nigerian Railway Corporation as investigations and response efforts continue.”
Earlier on Monday, the NRC had confirmed that an incident involving the Warri–Itakpe Train Service occurred and said emergency response teams and relevant authorities had been deployed to the scene.
In a statement signed by the NRC Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Kayode Opeifa, the corporation said personnel were providing necessary assistance while efforts were ongoing to determine the full details of the accident.
According to Opeifa, “The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) confirms that an incident involving the Warri-Itakpe Train Service (WITS) occurred today.
“Emergency response teams and relevant authorities are currently at the scene attending to the situation and providing necessary assistance.”
Sympathising with families of the deceased, Governor Oborevwori, in a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Festus Ahon, described the accident as heartbreaking and unfortunate, noting that the loss of lives was a painful tragedy for the affected families and the state at large.
The governor assured residents that the state government had swiftly mobilised relevant authorities to the scene of the accident to provide assistance to victims and ensure an effective emergency response.
According to the statement, Governor Oborevwori immediately directed the Commissioner for Special Duties, along with the Chairmen of Ika South and Ika North-East Local Government Areas, to move to the scene and coordinate rescue efforts.
The governor also commended security agencies for their prompt intervention, disclosing that the Commissioner of Police was also at the scene and had deployed adequate security personnel to safeguard passengers’ luggage and other valuables in the train.
The statement further revealed that those who sustained injuries were promptly evacuated to nearby hospitals for medical attention, other survivors without injuries were moved to town, while the remains of deceased victims were deposited in the mortuary.
To facilitate the evacuation process, buses were immediately dispatched to convey survivors and injured passengers from the scene.
Providing an update on the condition of the victims, Chairman of Ika North-East Local Government Council, Monday Odigwe, disclosed that 35 injured passengers were receiving medical attention across three hospitals.
According to him, 13 victims are being treated at Central Hospital, Agbor, 12 at General Hospital, Owa-Oyibu, and 10 at General Hospital, Owa-Alero.
Odigwe also stated that officials had received assurances that efforts would be made to lift up the train on Tuesday.
Governor Oborevwori prayed for the peaceful repose of the souls of those who lost their lives and also the fortitude for the families to bear the irreparable loss.
He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to the welfare and safety of residents and assured that the government would continue to monitor the situation and provide necessary support for those in the hospital.
The Warri–Itakpe railway corridor is one of Nigeria’s major standard-gauge rail lines, linking communities across Delta, Edo and Kogi States and serving thousands of passengers annually.
