A tragic rail accident claimed three lives and left 35 passengers injured on Monday, June 8, 2026, after a train on the Warri Itakpe Train Service (WITS) derailed at Agbor, Delta State.
The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) confirmed that four coaches came off the tracks, triggering an immediate emergency response. NRC Managing Director and CEO, Dr. Kayode Opeifa, issued a statement confirming that rescue teams and relevant authorities were swiftly deployed to the scene.
The Presidency also confirmed the fatalities, stating that all passengers on board have been accounted for. “Sadly, three fatalities have been confirmed at this time. Relevant authorities continue to assess the full circumstances surrounding the incident, while support is being provided to affected passengers,” the statement read.
The 35 injured passengers are currently receiving medical attention across three hospitals in the Ika North-East area of Delta State Central Hospital Agbor (13 victims), General Hospital Owa-Oyibu (12 victims), and General Hospital Owa-Alero (10 victims), according to Ika North-East LGA Chairman, Monday Odigwe.
The cause of the derailment has not been officially confirmed. Investigations are ongoing, with mechanical failure and track-related issues among the possibilities being explored. Efforts to lift the derailed train were expected to commence today, Tuesday, June 9.
Our Condolences
Our thoughts are with the families and loved ones of the three passengers who lost their lives in this heartbreaking incident. To the injured, we wish you a full and swift recovery.
A Pattern That Cannot Be Ignored
This is not an isolated event. Nigeria’s rail network has recorded multiple derailments in recent years, and each time, Nigerians are left asking the same questions: How did this happen? Who is accountable? What will change?
The Warri Itakpe corridor is one of Nigeria’s flagship standard-gauge lines a route that thousands of Nigerians depend on daily as an alternative to dangerous roads. For that trust to be met with tragedy is unacceptable.
We call on the Federal Government, the Ministry of Transportation, and the NRC to go beyond statements and emergency responses. A thorough, transparent investigation must follow and its findings must translate into concrete safety reforms, not just press releases.
Nigerian lives deserve better.
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