Lagos, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA)- The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) has announced the successful completion of equipment recovery operations following the June 8 incident involving the Warri–Itakpe Train Service, while reaffirming its commitment to supporting affected passengers and the families of victims.
The incident occurred at about 4:17 p.m. near the Goodluck Jonathan Railway Station in Agbor, Delta State, involving a train travelling from Itakpe to Ujevwu, Warri. According to the Corporation, the train was carrying 442 passengers and 40 operational personnel, including crew members, security operatives, medical staff, cleaners, caterers and other support workers.
In the aftermath of the accident, the NRC activated its Emergency Response Plan, deploying engineering, operational, medical and security teams to the scene. The response was carried out in collaboration with the Delta and Kogi State governments, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), the Nigeria Police Force, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), healthcare providers, local authorities and community volunteers.
The Corporation confirmed that all passengers and personnel on board were successfully accounted for and evacuated to medical facilities in Agbor and neighbouring communities.
However, the incident claimed five lives, while several passengers sustained varying degrees of injuries. NRC expressed condolences to the bereaved families and reiterated its commitment to providing the necessary support during this difficult period.
The Corporation disclosed that all injured passengers admitted to hospitals following the incident have since been treated and discharged, with the exception of one NRC staff member who remains under specialist medical care.
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NRC also commended the management and medical personnel of General Hospital Owa Oyibu, Owa Alero Hospital and Central Hospital Agbor for their swift intervention and professionalism, which contributed significantly to the emergency response efforts.
As part of its post-incident support programme, the Corporation has established a Medical and Victim Support Committee to coordinate engagement with injured passengers and the families of those who lost their lives.
Chairman of the Committee, Osarunwense Igbinogu, said visits to affected persons have already commenced in Agbor, Asaba and Ugbolu, while additional engagements are planned for Warri and other locations.
The NRC advised members of the public seeking information about passengers, lost belongings or medical follow-up services to contact the Corporation’s Incident Desk through its dedicated support lines.
Meanwhile, attention has shifted to restoring rail operations along the corridor. The Corporation confirmed that all four capsized coaches and two derailed coaches have been successfully recovered from the accident site, paving the way for track rehabilitation works.
Engineering teams have commenced restoration of the affected rail infrastructure as part of efforts to resume normal operations on the route.
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The NRC reiterated its commitment to cooperating fully with ongoing investigations and implementing recommendations that emerge from the process to strengthen operational safety across the national rail network.
Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the NRC, Kayode Opeifa, said the Corporation remains focused on both supporting victims and improving rail safety standards.
“We remain deeply committed to the welfare of our passengers and staff. While we continue to support victims and their families, we are also taking decisive steps to restore services and strengthen safety measures across our network to prevent a recurrence,” he said.
The Corporation maintained that passenger safety remains its highest priority and pledged to continue investing in measures that enhance the reliability, sustainability and safety of railway operations nationwide.
