THE Federal Ministry of Transportation has confirmed that four people, including an infant, lost their lives following a train derailment in Agbor, Delta State, while at least 24 others sustained serious injuries.
In a statement issued today, the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Funsho Adebiyi, disclosed that preliminary findings showed four coaches overturned and one coach derailed during the incident.
According to the statement, the fatalities comprised two women, one man, and an infant.
A total of 442 passengers had booked the journey, while 40 crew members, security personnel, and service providers were also on board, bringing the total number of occupants to 482.
Rescue and evacuation operations were completed at approximately 6:30 p.m., with injured passengers transported to medical facilities in Agbor for treatment.
The ministry noted that 24 people suffered severe injuries, while several others sustained varying degrees of wounds.
Among the injured was a staff member of the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC), who reportedly suffered a traumatic limb injury and is currently receiving treatment in stable condition.
The train was carrying several notable passengers, including Delta Central Senator 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 those who lost their lives and wished the injured a speedy recovery.
Authorities have also launched a comprehensive investigation into the cause of the derailment. The ministry stated that efforts are ongoing to account for all passengers, identify the injured and deceased, and provide the necessary support to those affected.
Officials confirmed that the train’s full passenger manifest has been retrieved and will be made available to relevant authorities when required.
The latest accident comes months after a similar derailment on the Warri-Itakpe rail corridor in November 2025, which the NRC attributed to vandalism.
Following that incident, two suspects were arrested in connection with damage to the railway infrastructure in Agbor.
Another rail mishap occurred in August 2025 when a passenger train travelling from Abuja to Kaduna derailed, causing widespread concern among passengers and their families.
