Update on Train Accident: Injured Passengers Treated, Equipment Recovered

All passengers injured in the train accident on 8 June along the Warri-Itakpe route have been treated and sent home.

The equipment involved in the accident has also been recovered.

Kayode Opeifa, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC), shared this in a statement on Tuesday in Lagos.

“One NRC staff member who sustained serious injuries remains under specialist medical care,” Mr Opeifa said.

The News Agency of Nigeria reported that the accident happened around 4:17 p.m. near Goodluck Jonathan Railway Station in Agbor, Delta State. Four coaches of the train capsized.

The train left Itakpe Station at noon on its way to Ujevwu, Warri, Delta. It was carrying 442 passengers and 40 operational personnel. This included train crew, security staff, medical personnel, cleaners, caterers, and others.

Five people lost their lives in the accident. Those injured were taken to hospitals in Agbor and nearby areas.

Mr Opeifa stated that all passengers and crew on the train have been accounted for. He expressed deep sympathy for the families of those who died and promised that the NRC would support them during this tough time.

He thanked the staff and medical teams at General Hospital Owa Oyibu, Owa Alero Hospital, and Central Hospital, Agbor. He praised their quick response and caring attitude towards the injured.

“Their support was key to managing the emergency well and helping those affected,” he added.

To continue its response after the incident, the NRC has set up a medical and victim support committee. This committee will handle communication with injured passengers, families of the deceased, and others affected by the accident.

“So far, the committee has visited five injured passengers and the family of one person who died in Agbor, Asaba, and Ugbolu, Delta State. They will also go to Warri to comfort the families of two other deceased passengers and other injured passengers,” he said.

Mr Opeifa encouraged passengers, their families, and the public to reach out to the NRC Incident Desk for information about passengers, lost items, medical follow-ups, or any other inquiries related to the accident.

“Now that passenger rescue operations and equipment recovery are done, the NRC’s Civil Engineering and New Lines Engineers have started to restore the rail track.

“NRC is fully committed to working with all relevant authorities. They will implement safety recommendations from the investigations and improve measures to ensure safe and reliable railway operations,” he said.