ABUJA, NIGERIA — The Federal Ministry of Transportation has confirmed that four persons, including an infant, died in a train accident that occurred along the Warri-Itakpe rail corridor in Delta State.
The ministry said 24 other passengers sustained varying degrees of injuries following the incident, which took place on Monday when a train reportedly derailed in the Agbor area of the state.
According to initial reports, the derailment triggered an emergency response from relevant authorities, including rescue teams deployed to the scene to evacuate passengers and provide immediate medical assistance to the injured.
Officials said emergency operations were activated shortly after the incident was reported, with efforts focused on stabilising victims and transporting them to nearby medical facilities for treatment.
The accident has raised renewed concerns about rail safety along the Warri-Itakpe corridor, which is one of Nigeria’s key transport routes linking the southern and central parts of the country. Authorities have not yet released full details on the cause of the derailment.
Transportation authorities noted that investigations have been launched to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident, including possible technical or operational factors that may have contributed to the derailment.
Emergency responders worked through the scene to ensure no additional passengers were trapped in the affected train coaches, while rail officials assessed the extent of damage to the rail infrastructure.
The Federal Ministry of Transportation expressed condolences to the families of the deceased and assured the public that a comprehensive inquiry would be conducted to prevent a recurrence of similar incidents.
Passengers injured in the crash are currently receiving medical attention, though authorities have not disclosed the severity of all reported injuries. Hospital officials in the area have reportedly been placed on alert to handle incoming cases.
The Warri-Itakpe rail line, inaugurated to improve passenger and freight movement across multiple states, has experienced operational challenges in the past, raising ongoing debates about maintenance standards and safety oversight in Nigeria’s rail system.
As investigations continue, the ministry has urged the public to remain calm and await official updates, while reaffirming its commitment to improving safety standards across the nation’s railway network.
