From Victor Osula, Abuja
Four persons lost their lives while several others sustained injuries, including 24 passengers reported to be in serious condition, following Monday’s train derailment in Agbor, Delta State.
A statement signed on Tuesday by the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Transportation, Funsho Adebiyi, stated that preliminary findings showed that four coaches capsized while another coach derailed, leading to fatalities involving two adult females, one adult male and an infant.
“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,” the statement said.
The ministry stated that 442 passengers had booked for the journey, while an additional 40 crew members, security personnel and third-party service providers were on board, bringing the total number of occupants to 482.
However, preliminary operational reports indicated that approximately 420 persons were on the train at the time of the incident.
Adebiyi explained that rescue and evacuation efforts were concluded at approximately 6:30 p.m., with injured passengers transferred to medical facilities in Agbor for urgent medical attention.
He noted that 24 passengers sustained serious injuries, while several others suffered varying degrees of wounds during the accident.
The ministry also disclosed that one staff member of the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) suffered a traumatic limb injury and is currently receiving treatment.
“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.
Authorities further revealed that some notable personalities were among those aboard the train during the incident, including 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 NRC expressed condolences to the families of the deceased while wishing injured victims a speedy recovery.
“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.
The Ministry also announced the commencement of a comprehensive investigation into the cause of the derailment.
According to officials, efforts are continuing to account for all passengers and provide support to those affected by the incident.
“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,” the statement added.
