Delta Senator, Ex-SSG Among Passengers On Train That Killed Four
The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) has confirmed that Senator Ede Dafinone, who represents Delta Central Senatorial District, and former Delta State Secretary to the State Government, Patrick Ukah, were among the passengers on the Warri–Itakpe train that derailed in Delta State on Monday, leaving four people dead and 24 others injured.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the corporation provided details of the accident, which occurred near Agbor in Delta State.
According to the NRC, four coaches overturned while another coach derailed as the train was travelling along the Warri–Itakpe rail corridor.
The corporation identified the deceased as two adult women, one adult man and an infant.
It disclosed that 442 passengers were onboard the train at the time of the incident, alongside 40 crew members, security personnel and service providers, bringing the total number of occupants to 482.
The NRC said emergency response teams, including officials of 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), and other local authorities, were immediately mobilised to the scene.
According to the statement, rescue and evacuation operations were successfully concluded by 6:30 p.m.
The injured passengers were taken to hospitals in Agbor for treatment, while one member of staff who sustained a traumatic limb injury is said to be in stable condition.
The corporation expressed condolences to the families of those who lost their lives and wished the injured a speedy recovery.
It also revealed that the complete passenger manifest had been recovered and that efforts were ongoing to identify all individuals affected by the accident.
The NRC added that a full-scale investigation had commenced to determine the cause of the derailment.
The Warri–Itakpe railway corridor is one of Nigeria’s major standard-gauge rail lines, linking communities across Delta, Edo and Kogi states.
Titilope Adako is a talented and intrepid journalist, dedicated to shedding light on the untold stories of Osun State and Nigeria. Through incisive reporting, she tackles a broad spectrum of topics, from politics and social justice to culture and entertainment, with a commitment to accuracy, empathy, and inspiring positive change.
