NRC confirms five fatalities in Warri–Itakpe train accident as NSIB retrieves evidence

The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) has confirmed that five passengers lost their lives in the recent Warri–Itakpe Train Service (WITS) accident near Agbor, Delta State, while approximately 40 others sustained varying degrees of injuries. The Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of the Corporation, Dr. Kayode Opeifa, disclosed this while providing an update on the incident, describing […]

The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) has confirmed that five passengers lost their lives in the recent Warri–Itakpe Train Service (WITS) accident near Agbor, Delta State, while approximately 40 others sustained varying degrees of injuries.

The Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of the Corporation, Dr. Kayode Opeifa, disclosed this while providing an update on the incident, describing the accident as a tragic development that has deeply saddened the railway family and the nation.

According to him, the casualty figure remains five, while several injured passengers are currently receiving medical attention in various hospitals. He noted that some victims have already been treated and discharged, while others with more serious injuries continue to receive specialised care.

Dr. Opeifa explained that a total of 482 persons were on board the train at the time of the accident, comprising 442 passengers and 40 crew members, security personnel and other service providers attached to the train operation.

He stated that all passengers and personnel on board have been accounted for, adding that the Corporation immediately activated its emergency response procedures and commenced contact-tracing efforts using passenger manifests and ticketing records to reach affected passengers and their families.

The NRC boss assured Nigerians that the Corporation is working closely with relevant authorities to determine the cause of the accident and prevent future occurrences.

He disclosed that safety investigators from the National Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB), alongside NRC technical and safety teams, are conducting a detailed investigation into the incident.

While urging members of the public to avoid speculation, Dr. Opeifa said the Corporation would be guided by the findings of the investigation in implementing any additional corrective measures required to further strengthen railway safety.

He reaffirmed the Corporation’s commitment to maintaining the highest safety standards across its operations and disclosed that additional reviews of operational procedures, infrastructure and maintenance systems are being considered as part of efforts to continuously improve service delivery.

The Managing Director also clarified reports circulating in some sections of the media regarding the identities of certain individuals allegedly involved in the accident.

According to him, Sen. Ede Dafinone, representing Delta Central Senatorial District, and former Secretary to the Delta State Government, Mr. Patrick Ukah, were not passengers on board the train.

He explained that both men were among prominent stakeholders who assisted in coordinating rescue and emergency response efforts following the incident and commended their contributions during the critical period.

Dr. Opeifa expressed appreciation to emergency responders, security agencies, medical personnel, the Delta State Government and members of the public who assisted in the rescue operations.

He assured Nigerians that the Corporation would continue to provide support to victims and their families while maintaining transparency throughout the investigation process.

The NRC reiterated its commitment to safe, reliable and efficient rail transportation and pledged to implement all necessary measures arising from the outcome of the investigation.

Meanwhile the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau’s (NSIB) investigation into the train derailment that occurred along the Warri-Itakpe rail corridor on Monday, June 8, 2026, has progressed with the retrieval of critical evidence and the completion of key on-site investigative activities.

Following the notification of the accident, the Director General of the NSIB, Captain Alex Badeh Jr., led the Bureau’s investigation team to the accident scene to initiate an inquiry, a statement by Mrs Funke Adebayo-Arowojobe Director, Public Affairs and Family Assistance, Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau said om Wednesday

At the scene, investigators conducted documentation of the accident site, examined the affected rail equipment and infrastructure, gathered operational and technical information, and interviewed relevant personnel connected to the operation of the train.

The recovered evidence obtained from witness interviews, operational records, maintenance documentation, and other investigative sources will be subjected to detailed examination by the Bureau’s specialists.

Speaking at the accident scene, the Director General, Captain Alex Badeh Jr., expressed the Bureau’s condolences to those affected by the accident.

“Our thoughts and deepest sympathies are with the families who have lost loved ones, those who sustained injuries, and every passenger affected by this tragic occurrence. We understand the pain and uncertainty such an event brings, and we want the public to be assured that the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau has commenced a thorough and evidence-based investigation. 

We will follow the facts wherever they lead and generate actionable safety recommendations aimed at systematically addressing identified risks and preventing a recurrence on our railway network.”

As part of the visit, Captain Badeh Jr. demonstrated the Bureau’s commitment to the human dimension of transportation safety by personally meeting with passengers affected by the derailment. He commiserated with the families of those who lost their lives, conveying the condolences of the NSIB and the government.

The Director General also visited injured victims receiving treatment at various primary healthcare centres and hospitals, where he offered words of comfort, support, and reassurance.

The Bureau is working in close collaboration with the Nigerian Railway Corporation, Federal Ministry of Transportation, Federal Ministry of Health, and other relevant federal and state agencies throughout the investigation process. 

NSIB acknowledges and appreciates the cooperation of the Nigerian Railway Corporation, Federal Ministry of Transportation, and Nigeria Air Force, whose support facilitated the efficient mobilisation of resources and access to operational facilities and information required by the investigative team.

The NSIB emphasises that its investigation is strictly safety-focused and non-punitive.

 The purpose of the investigation is not to apportion blame or determine civil or criminal liability, but to establish the circumstances of the occurrence, identify causal and contributing factors, and determine measures that can enhance the safety of rail transportation operations in Nigeria.

Upon completion of the investigation process, the Bureau will publish its findings and issue safety recommendations aimed at strengthening rail transport safety and reducing the likelihood of future occurrences.