Four people, including an infant, were killed and at least 24 others seriously injured after a passenger train derailed in Agbor, Delta State, the Federal Ministry of Transportation has confirmed.
The ministry said 482 people were on board the train at the time of the accident, including passengers, crew members, security personnel and third-party service providers.
In a statement issued by the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Transportation, Funsho Adebiyi, said preliminary findings showed that four coaches capsized while another coach derailed.
“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,” Adebiyi said.
According to the ministry, 442 passengers had booked for the journey, while 40 crew members, security personnel and service providers were also on board, bringing the total number of occupants to 482.
Rescue and evacuation operations were completed at about 6:30 pm, with injured passengers taken to medical facilities in Agbor for treatment.
The ministry said 24 people sustained serious injuries, while several others suffered varying degrees of wounds.
“One NRC staff member suffered a traumatic limb injury and is currently receiving treatment and is reported to be in stable condition,” the statement added.
Among the passengers on board were the Senator representing Delta Central Senatorial District, Ede Dafinone, and former Delta State Secretary to the State Government, Patrick Ukah.
The Federal Ministry of Transportation and the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) expressed condolences to the families of the victims.
“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.
Authorities have launched a full investigation into the cause of the derailment, while efforts continue to account for all passengers and provide support to those affected.
“The full onboard manifest has been retrieved and will be made available upon request by the relevant authorities. Efforts are ongoing to identify all the injured and deceased persons for proper documentation,” Adebiyi said.
The latest accident comes months after another derailment on the Warri-Itakpe railway corridor, which officials linked to acts of vandalism.
Last year the NRC announced the arrest of two suspects in connection with a derailment involving the same rail route in Agbor. Another passenger train travelling between Abuja and Kaduna also derailed last year, causing panic among passengers.
