NRC recovers all equipment involved in Warri-Itakpe Train Service incident

The Managing Director/CEO of the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC), Dr. Kayode Opeifa, says the corporation has recovered fully all equipment involved in the Warri–Itakpe Train Service incident of 8 June 2026.

At approximately 4:17 p.m. near Goodluck Jonathan Railway Station, Agbor, Delta State, the train, which departed Itakpe Station at 12:00 noon on its scheduled service to Ujevwu, Warri, carrying 442 passengers and 40 operational personnel comprising train crew, security personnel, medical personnel, cleaners, caterers, and other support staff, was involved in the incident.

Dr. Kayode Opeifa said 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 (NEMA), the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), 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.

Regrettably, he said 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.

According to Opeifa, “ss 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 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.

“In continuation of its post-incident response efforts, the corporation constituted a Medical and Victim Support Committee to coordinate engagement with injured passengers, relatives of deceased victims, and other affected families.”

The NRC Managing Director informed that the Chairman of the committee, Dr. Osarunwense Igbinogu, disclosed that members of the committee had commenced visits to affected persons. “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.

“Passengers, relatives, and members of the public seeking information about passengers on board, lost-and-found items, medical follow-up, or other enquiries related to the incident are encouraged to contact the NRC Incident Desk through the following dedicated lines: Hamzat – 09160008964, 09010000101, 08052217353; Yunusa – 08147012653; and Japhet – 07033684912.

“Callers are advised to provide their names, coach and seat numbers, where applicable, to facilitate prompt assistance.

“The Corporation also welcomes feedback, observations, experiences, and recommendations from passengers and members of the public, as such information will assist ongoing investigations and contribute to service improvement efforts. The dedicated lines will be available from Monday to Friday between 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.”

Opeifa noted that with passenger rescue operations and equipment recovery successfully completed, the NRC’s Civil Engineering and New Lines Engineers had commenced rail track restoration works.

“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.

“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,” pledged Opeifa.