*Confirms Four Deaths
THE Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) has issued a formal correction regarding the recent train accident on the Warri–Itakpe route near Agbor, clarifying that the senator representing Delta Central, Ede Dafinone, and former secretary to the Delta State Government, Patrick Ukah, were not involved as passengers. In a statement signed by the NRC Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Kayode Opeifa, the corporation revealed that an earlier report identifying the two prominent them as passengers on the derailed train was incorrect. Instead, the NRC praised Dafinone and Ukah for their immediate, selfless intervention at the crash site. According to the corporation, both men were instrumental in mobilising first responders, medical teams and emergency personnel to the scene, significantly boosting the speed and efficiency of the rescue operations. Expressing regret over the initial mix-up, Opeifa said: “The NRC regrets the unintended error and sincerely appreciates the selfless and swift intervention and support of these great Nigerians during the rescue efforts. ”Investigations into the cause of the Warri-Itakpe train derailment near Agbor are currently ongoing.”
In addition, it said senator Ede Dafinone, repreenting Delta Central, and a former secretary to the Delta State Government, Patrick Ukah, were among the 482 people on board the train, involving four capsized and one derailed coaches.
The Permanent Secretary, Funsho Adebiyi, who disclosed this in a statement on Tuesday, June 9, said a full investigation into the cause of the accident had commenced.
According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Adebiyi said: “Preliminary reports indicate that four coaches capsized, while one coach derailed, resulting in unfortunate loss of four lives, comprising two adult females, one adult male and one infant passenger.
“A total of 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.
“Notable individuals on board include the senator representing Delta Central Senatorial District, Ede Dafinone, and a former secretary to Delta State Government, Patrick Ukah.”
Adebiyi said rescue and evacuation operations were immediately activated with support from the Delta State Government, National Emergency Management Agency, Federal Road Safety Corps and the Police, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), local authorities, security agencies and other emergency responders.
He stated that the rescue and emergency operations were completed by 6.30p.m. on Monday and injured passengers were evacuated to medical facilities in Agbor and environs for treatment.
“As at the time of this release, 24 serious injuries were recorded, while several other passengers sustained varying degrees of injuries and are receiving medical attention.
“One NRC staff member suffered a traumatic limb injury and is currently receiving treatment and is reported to be in stable condition.
“The full onboard manifest has been retrieved and will be made available upon request by relevant authorities.
“Efforts are ongoing to identify all the injured and deceased persons for proper documentation.”
