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 and medical personnel of General Hospital Owa Oyibu, Owa Alero Hospital, and Central Hospital Agbor for their prompt response, professionalism, dedication, and compassionate care provided to injured passengers and staff following the incident. Their invaluable support contributed significantly to the successful management of the emergency and recovery of affected persons.”
The NRC further disclosed that it had constituted a Medical and Victim Support Committee to coordinate engagements with injured passengers, relatives of deceased victims, and other affected families.
Chairman of the committee, Dr Osarunwense Igbinogu, said members had commenced visits to victims and bereaved families.
According to the statement, “The committee has so far visited five injured passengers and the family of one deceased passenger in Agbor, Asaba, and Ugbolu, Delta State, and will proceed to Warri to condole with the families of two other deceased passengers, as well as additional injured passengers.”
The corporation urged passengers, relatives, and members of the public seeking information about those involved in the incident to contact its Incident Desk through dedicated telephone lines for enquiries relating to passengers on board, lost-and-found items, and medical follow-up.
It also encouraged members of the public to provide feedback and recommendations that could aid ongoing investigations and improve service delivery.
Meanwhile, the NRC said its Civil Engineering and New Lines Engineers had commenced rail track restoration works following the completion of rescue operations and equipment recovery.
“This marks a significant milestone in the recovery phase following the successful recovery of all four capsized coaches and the two derailed coaches from the incident site,” the statement noted.
The corporation reaffirmed its commitment to implementing safety recommendations arising from investigations into the incident.
“NRC remains fully committed to cooperating with all relevant authorities, implementing safety recommendations arising from the investigations, and strengthening measures aimed at ensuring the safety, reliability, and sustainability of railway operations across the country,” it added.
Preliminary reports indicated that four coaches capsized while two others derailed during the accident.
Following the incident, the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau commenced an investigation to determine the cause of the derailment. The bureau said it had retrieved critical evidence from the scene and completed key on-site investigative activities as part of efforts to establish the circumstances surrounding the accident and make safety recommendations to prevent future occurrences.