The federal ministry of transportation has said that four persons, comprising an infant, died in Monday’s train accident along the Warri-Itakpe rail corridor.
It was reported that the accident happened when a train derailed in Agbor, Delta state, prompting emergency rescue operations by relevant authorities.
Earlier, the presidency said three persons died in the incident.
However, in a statement issued on Tuesday, permanent secretary of the ministry of transportation, Funsho Adebiyi,stated that the death toll had risen to four.
“Preliminary reports indicate that four coaches capsized while one coach derailed, resulting in the unfortunate loss of four lives, comprising two adult females, one adult male, and one infant passenger,” the statement reads.
The ministry said 442 passengers were booked on the train, while 40 crew members, security personnel and third-party service providers were also on board, bringing the total number of persons on the train to 482.
According to the statement, rescue and evacuation operations were immediately activated with the support of the Delta state government, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), the police, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), local authorities and other emergency responders.
The ministry stated that the operation was completed by 6:30pm, while injured passengers were evacuated to medical facilities in Agbor for treatment.
The statement added that notable passengers on board included Ede Dafinone, senator representing Delta central, and Patrick Ukah, former secretary to the Delta state government.
“As of the time of this release, 24 serious injuries have been recorded, while several other passengers sustained varying degrees of injuries and are receiving medical attention,” the statement reads.
The ministry said a staff member of the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) suffered a “traumatic limb injury” and was receiving treatment in stable condition.
The ministry and the NRC sent their condolences to the families of the deceased and wished those injured a quick recovery.
