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By Chiazo Ogbolu
Senator Ede Dafinone and a former Secretary to Delta State Government, Mr Patrick Ukah, were among the 482 people on board the train that had an accident on Monday on the Warri–Itakpe corridor.
Four people lost their lives to the accident during which four coaches capsized.
The Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Transport, Mr Funsho Adebiyi, made this known in a statement on Tuesday.
He said that a full investigation into the cause of the accident had begun.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the accident occurred on Monday near Agbor in Delta.
“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, Sen. Ede Dafinone, and a former Secretary to Delta State Government, Mr Patrick Ukah,” he said.
Adebiyi said that rescue and evacuation operations were immediately activated with the support of the Delta State Government, National Emergency Management Agency, Federal Road Safety Corps and the police.
He said that the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, local authorities, security agencies, and other emergency responders were involved in the operations.
“The rescue and emergency operations were completed by 6.30 p.m.,” he said.
He added that injured passengers were evacuated to medical facilities in Agbor 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,” Adebiyi said.
He said the Federal Ministry of Transport and the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) expressed sympathy to the families of the deceased and prayed for quick recovery of the injured.
“The corporation also appreciates the swift intervention of the Delta State Government, emergency responders, security agencies, NRC Mechanical Directorate, Special Rescue and Emergency Team, medical personnel, and members of the public who assisted in the rescue efforts.
“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,” he said. (NAN)
