NRC confirms recovery of assets in Warri–Itakpe rail incident

Nigerian Railway Corporation train involved in accident on June 8 near Goodluck Jonathan Railway Station, Agbor. Credit: NAN

The Nigerian Railway Corporation has announced that all equipment involved in the June 8 Warri-Itakpe Train Service incident has been fully recovered, while affirming that all passengers and personnel on board have been accounted for. The corporation disclosed this in an update on the incident issued on Monday, stating that the train, which departed Itakpe Station at 12:00 noon en route to Ujevwu, Warri, was involved in the incident at about 4:17 p.m. near Goodluck Jonathan Railway Station, Agbor, Delta State. According to the NRC, the train was carrying 442 passengers and 40 operational personnel, including train crew, security officers, medical personnel, cleaners, caterers and other support staff. “Following the incident, the Corporation immediately activated its Emergency Response Plan and mobilised operational, engineering, medical, and security personnel to the scene. Working in collaboration with the Delta State Government, Kogi State Government, the National Emergency Management Agency, the Federal Road Safety Corps, the Nigeria Police Force, NSCDC, medical responders, local authorities, and members of surrounding communities, all passengers were successfully evacuated to nearby hospitals. All passengers and personnel on board have been accounted for,” the statement read. The corporation said the incident claimed five lives, while several other passengers sustained varying degrees of injuries. “Regrettably, the incident resulted in five fatalities, while several other passengers sustained varying degrees of injuries. The Corporation once again extends its deepest condolences to the families of the deceased and continues to stand with them during this difficult period,” it stated. Providing an update on the condition of victims, the NRC said all injured passengers admitted to hospitals in Agbor and neighbouring communities had been treated and discharged, except one staff member who remained under specialist care. “As of today, all passengers who sustained injuries and were admitted to hospitals in Agbor and surrounding communities have been treated and discharged. One NRC staff member who sustained serious injuries remains under specialist medical care,” the statement added. The corporation commended the management and personnel of General Hospital Owa Oyibu, Owa Alero Hospital, and Central Hospital Agbor for their response to the emergency. It stated, “The Corporation expresses its profound appreciation to the management