Passengers traveling from Itakpe in Kogi State to Ujevwu in Delta State have escaped death as one of the coaches derailed at Abraka in Ethiope East Local Government area of Delta State.
The incident occured at about 7.15 pm on Thursday while approaching Abraka rail station.
According to sources, freightened passengers jumped through the doors while the train was slowing down movement, dragging the remaining coaches along with the one that derailed.
It was learnt that passengers were having a smooth ride until they got to the spot close to Abraka train station when the incident occured.
Abraka station to that of Agbaro and terminating at Ujevwu station was just about 20 minutes rail journey.
It was learnt that some passengers sustained minor injuries resulting from the stampede that ensued.
One of the passengers, Taribio Oweifawari said that she missed her flight from Abuja to Yenagoa and had to resort to traveling by rail.
She recounted her experience on her Facebook page thus “My flight to Yenagoa from Abuja on United Nigeria was cancelled even before I left Yenagoa. So, after the Port Harcourt flight to Abuja was also cancelled at short notice, I decided to return by train.
“On our way back today (Thursday) , this is what happened: my coach is VIP and it’s coach 1. The coach immediately after ours is coach 2, and it derailed.
“Hai, I just kept shouting ‘Jesus’ when it looked like ours was going to tumble. Just a little bit more and that coach would have fallen off the high point, taking our coach with it”, she said.
Delta State Police Public Relations Officer, Edafe Bright, a Superintendent of Police, confirmed the incident.
He however said no death was recorded as passengers were rescued to safety.
Sylvester Idowu
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