Itakpe–Warri Rail Crash: Reps Demand Probe, Transport Ministry Says Infant Among 4 Dead

The House of Representatives has taken steps towards investigation of the tragic accident involving the train that departed Ujevwe to Itakpe on Monday.

Accordingly, it urged the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) to conduct a comprehensive investigation into the cause of the accident and make public its findings, including specific measures being put in place to prevent future occurrence of similar incidents.

It also urged the corporation to adequately compensate all passengers on the affected trip for losses incurred, injuries sustained, trauma suffered and inconveniences occasioned by the accident.

This followed the adoption of a motion moved by member representing the Ughelli North/South/Udu federal constituency of Delta state, Hon Francis Waive.

Meanwhile, the Federal Ministry of Transportation said a total of four persons died in the crash.

In a statement yesterday, the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Transport, Funsho Adebiyi, said there were 420 people on board at the time of the accident.

“Preliminary reports indicate that four coaches capsized while one coach derailed, resulting in the unfortunate loss of four lives, comprising two adult females, one adult male, and one infant passenger,” the statement read in part.

“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.”

Adebiyi explained that rescue and evacuation operations finished around 6:30 pm, with the injured persons evacuated to medical facilities in Agbor for treatment.

He said among them were 24 persons with “serious injuries”, with several others also wounded.

“One NRC staff member suffered a traumatic limb injury and is currently receiving treatment and is reported to be in stable condition,” the ministry said.

The Ministry and the Nigeria Railway Corporation (NRC) extended their “deepest condolences to the families of the deceased and pray for the quick recovery of all those injured”.

It also said a “full investigation into the cause of the accident has commenced”, while efforts will continue to account for all passengers and provide the necessary support to those affected.

“The full onboard manifest has been retrieved and will be made available upon request by the relevant authorities. Efforts are ongoing to identify all the injured and deceased persons for proper documentation,” the statement read in part.

Monday’s incident came months after another derailment on the train service in November 2025, which was blamed on the activities of vandals.

In November 2025, the NRC said it arrested two suspects in connection with the train derailment incident that occurred on the Warri-Itakpe railway in Agbor, Delta State.

In August 2025, a passenger train travelling from Abuja to Kaduna derailed, triggering panic among passengers and their loved ones.