ASABA/Nigeria: Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has expressed profound grief over the tragic train accident in Agbor, Ika South Local Government Area, which claimed four lives and left 35 passengers receiving treatment for various degrees of injuries.
The Governor described the incident as a heartbreaking tragedy, assuring affected families and survivors that the state government had taken immediate steps to coordinate rescue operations and provide support to victims.
In a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Sir Festus Ahon, Oborevwori commiserated with the families of those who lost their lives and prayed for the speedy recovery of the injured.
According to the statement, the Governor swiftly directed the Commissioner for Special Duties, alongside the Chairmen of Ika South and Ika North-East Local Government Areas, to proceed to the scene of the accident and coordinate rescue efforts.
The Governor also commended security agencies for their prompt response to the emergency. He disclosed that the Commissioner of Police personally visited the scene and deployed adequate security personnel to safeguard passengers’ luggage and other valuables recovered from the train.
The statement noted that injured passengers were immediately evacuated to nearby hospitals for urgent medical attention, while survivors who did not sustain injuries were transported to town. The remains of the deceased victims were also deposited in a mortuary.
To ensure the smooth evacuation of passengers, buses were promptly deployed to convey both injured victims and survivors from the accident scene.
Providing an update on the casualties, Chairman of Ika North-East Local Government Council, Hon. Monday Odigwe, revealed that 35 injured passengers were undergoing treatment in three hospitals across the area.
He stated that 13 victims were receiving treatment at Central Hospital, Agbor, while 12 others were admitted at General Hospital, Owa-Oyibu. Another 10 injured passengers, he said, were being treated at General Hospital, Owa-Alero.
Odigwe further disclosed that officials had received assurances that efforts would be made to lift the affected train from the tracks on Tuesday.
Governor Oborevwori described the loss of lives as painful and unfortunate, noting that the tragedy had brought immense sorrow not only to the bereaved families but also to the entire state.
He prayed for the peaceful repose of the souls of the deceased and urged their families to find strength and comfort during the difficult period.
The Governor reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to the welfare, safety and security of residents, assuring that the state government would continue to monitor developments and provide necessary support to those receiving treatment in hospitals.
