Authorities have begun an investigation into the train accident along the Warri–Itakpe rail corridor near Agbor in Delta State, which killed four persons.
According to a statement issued on Tuesday, the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Transport, Funsho Adebiyi, said the investigation is to ascertain the cause of the incident.
“A full investigation into the cause of the accident has commenced, while efforts will continue to account for all passengers and provide the necessary support to those affected,” the statement read.
The ministry explained that four coaches capsized while one coach derailed. It said 482 persons were onboard, including passengers, crew members, security personnel, and service providers.
Twenty-four people sustained serious injuries and are receiving treatment, it said. Some of those on board the train included Senator representing Delta Central, Ede Dafinone; former Delta State Secretary to the State Government, Patrick Ukah; and others.
The full onboard manifest has been retrieved and will be made available upon request by the relevant authorities. Efforts are ongoing to identify all the injured and deceased persons for proper documentation,” the statement read in part.
Both the Federal Ministry of Transport and the Nigeria Railway Corporation (NRC) extended their “deepest condolences to the families of the deceased and pray for the quick recovery of all those injured”.
“The Corporation also appreciates the swift intervention of the Delta State Government, emergency responders, security agencies, the NRC Mechanical Directorate, the Special Rescue and Emergency Team, medical personnel, and members of the public who assisted in the rescue efforts,” Adebiyi said
About 24 people were seriously injured in the accident.
Nearly twenty-four hours after the incident, the scale of destruction remains evident with the NRC personnel working to clear the wreckage.
Channels Television visited the area and found that tree branches are being cut down to create access routes for heavy equipment, while workers carefully offload passengers’ luggage and personal belongings for onwards delivery to their owners.
@THE SCOPE NEWS
