The Federal Ministry of Transportation and the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) have confirmed that five people lost their lives in the recent train accident along the Warri–Itakpe rail corridor in Delta State.
According to an official statement released on Wednesday by the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Transportation, Engineer Funsho Adebiyi, the victims included four adult passengers and an infant.
The accident occurred on Monday, June 8, 2026, near Agbor in Delta State during a journey on the Warri–Itakpe Train Service (WITS).
Authorities disclosed that preliminary findings showed four coaches overturned while another coach left the tracks, leading to the fatalities and multiple injuries.
The ministry revealed that 24 passengers sustained serious injuries, while several others suffered varying degrees of injuries and are currently receiving treatment at different medical facilities.
Records from the train manifest indicated that 442 passengers had booked seats on the service. In addition, 40 crew members, security personnel, and third-party service providers were onboard, bringing the total number of occupants to 482.
Following the incident, emergency rescue and evacuation operations were launched immediately. The response involved 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 responders.
Officials stated that the rescue operation was successfully concluded by 6:30 p.m. on the day of the accident.
Several prominent individuals also assisted during the emergency response, including Senator Ede Dafinone, who represents Delta Central Senatorial District, and former Delta State Secretary to the State Government, Patrick Ukah.
The statement further disclosed that one staff member of the NRC suffered a traumatic limb injury during the incident and remains in stable condition while receiving medical care.
The Federal Ministry of Transportation and the NRC extended their condolences to the families of the deceased and wished those injured a speedy recovery. They also praised emergency agencies, volunteers, and members of the public who contributed to the rescue efforts.
Authorities confirmed that the complete passenger manifest has been recovered and will be made available to relevant agencies when required. Efforts are also ongoing to identify all injured passengers and deceased victims for official documentation and support.
Meanwhile, a comprehensive investigation has commenced to determine the cause of the derailment and coach overturning, while officials continue to account for all passengers affected by the tragic incident and provide necessary assistance to victims and their families.
