Warri-Itakpe Train Crash: NRC Denies Overloading as 4 Die, 24 Injured

The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) has refuted claims that the train involved in the fatal derailment along the Warri-Itakpe rail corridor was overloaded, clarifying that the passenger manifest was well within the train's capacity.

The Director-General of the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC), Kayode Opeifa, has dismissed speculations that the train involved in the tragic Warri-Itakpe accident was carrying excess passengers.

Addressing concerns regarding the tragic derailment that occurred near Agbor in Delta State on Monday, June 8, 2026, Opeifa maintained that the train was operating within its standard passenger capacity.

According to official figures released by the Federal Ministry of Transportation, the train was carrying a total of 482 people. This figure comprised 442 booked passengers and 40 crew members, security personnel, and third-party service providers.

The clarification comes as the Federal Government confirmed the unfortunate death of four persons in the accident. A statement signed by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Transportation, Engr. Funsho Adebiyi, revealed that the fatalities included two adult females, one adult male, and an infant.

In addition to the fatalities, authorities disclosed that 24 passengers sustained serious injuries, while several others suffered varying degrees of harm and are currently receiving treatment at medical facilities in Agbor. One NRC staff member also suffered a traumatic limb injury but is reported to be in stable condition.

Preliminary investigations into the crash indicate that four coaches capsized while one coach derailed. Among the prominent figures onboard the train during the terrifying ordeal were the Senator representing Delta Central Senatorial District, Ede Dafinone, and a former Secretary to the Delta State Government, Patrick Ukah.

The ministry stated that swift emergency response and evacuation operations were activated immediately after the crash. The rescue mission, which was completed by 6:30 p.m. on Monday, was carried out with the active support of the Delta State Government, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), the Police, and other security agencies.

"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," Adebiyi's statement read.

The NRC and the Ministry of Transportation have extended their deepest condolences to the families of the deceased and prayed for the swift recovery of the injured passengers.