According to a statement issued on Tuesday by the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Engr. Funsho Adebiyi, the accident occurred along the Warri–Itakpe rail corridor when four coaches capsized and one coach derailed.
The ministry said the crash claimed the lives of four passengers, comprising two adult women, one adult man and an infant.
A total of 442 passengers had booked for the journey, while 40 crew members, security personnel and third-party service providers were also on board, bringing the total number of occupants on the train to 482.
Authorities disclosed that 24 passengers sustained serious injuries in the accident, while several others suffered varying degrees of injuries and are currently receiving treatment at medical facilities in Agbor.
One staff member of the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) also suffered a traumatic limb injury and is said to be in stable condition.
Emergency rescue and evacuation operations were immediately launched following the incident, with support from the Delta State Government, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), the Nigeria Police Force, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), local authorities and other emergency responders.
The ministry said the rescue operation was successfully concluded by 6:30 p.m., with injured passengers evacuated for medical attention.
Among the passengers on board the train were the Senator representing Delta Central Senatorial District, Ede Dafinone, and former Delta State Secretary to the State Government, Patrick Ukah.
The Nigerian Railway Corporation expressed deep sorrow over the incident and extended condolences to the families of those who lost their lives.
“The Ministry and the NRC extend their deepest condolences to the families of the deceased and pray for the quick recovery of all those injured,” the statement said.
The corporation also commended the Delta State Government, emergency agencies, security personnel, medical workers, the NRC Mechanical Directorate, and members of the public for their swift response to the tragedy.
Officials disclosed that the full passenger manifest has been retrieved and will be made available to relevant authorities, while efforts are ongoing to properly identify all injured and deceased persons.
Meanwhile, the Federal Ministry of Transportation and the NRC have launched a full-scale investigation into the cause of the accident.
Authorities said efforts would continue to account for all passengers and provide necessary support to victims and their families as investigations proceed.
