By Daniel Oluwatobiloba Popoola
The Federal Ministry of Transportation (FMOT) and the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) have expressed deep sorrow over the train accident on the Warri-Itakpe Train Service (WITS) corridor near Agbor, Delta State, which claimed five lives and left dozens injured.
The accident occurred on Monday, 8 June,2026 when four coaches capsized and one coach derailed along the rail corridor.
Preliminary reports indicated that the deceased comprised four adults and one infant, while 24 passengers sustained serious injuries.
Several others suffered varying degrees of injuries and are receiving medical treatment.
In a statement signed by the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Transportation, Engr. Funsho Adebiyi, the ministry disclosed that 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 ministry said rescue and evacuation operations were activated immediately after the incident, with 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 responders.
According to the statement, the operation have been successfully concluded.
The ministry and the NRC also acknowledged the contributions of the Senator representing Delta Central Senatorial District, Senator Ede Dafinone, former Delta State Secretary to the State Government, Hon. Patrick Ukah, and other stakeholders who assisted in the rescue efforts.
Providing an update on the casualties, the ministry disclosed that one NRC staff member suffered a traumatic limb injury and is currently receiving treatment. The official was reported to be in stable condition.
Expressing condolences to the bereaved families, the ministry and the NRC described the incident as tragic and assured victims of continued support.
“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.
They further commended the Delta State Government, emergency responders, security agencies, medical personnel, the NRC Mechanical Directorate, the corporation’s Special Rescue and Emergency Team, and members of the public for their prompt intervention.
Meanwhile, authorities have confirmed that the train’s full passenger manifest had been recovered and would be made available to relevant authorities upon request.
Efforts are also ongoing to identify all injured passengers and deceased victims for proper documentation.
The ministry added that a full-scale investigation had commenced to determine the cause of the accident.
“A full investigation into the cause of the accident has commenced, while efforts will continue to account for all passengers and provide necessary support to those affected,” the statement added.