The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) has released its preliminary investigation report into the June 8 derailment involving the Warri–Itakpe Train Service (WITS), identifying a possible bogie or wheel defect as the likely cause of the accident.
The Corporation noted that the findings remain subject to further investigation.
The report, signed by the Managing Director of the Corporation, Dr. Kayode Opeifa, said the incident occurred at about 4:17pm near the Outer Home Signal of the Goodluck Jonathan Railway Station at Kilometer 177 in Owa-Oyibu, Delta State, as the train approached the station.
According to the NRC, the train departed Itakpe at noon carrying 482 persons, comprising 442 passengers and 40 operational personnel. The derailment affected five coaches, one locomotive and a power car, with three coaches and the power car overturning while other rolling stock derailed but remained upright.
Emergency response teams from the NRC, Delta State Government, the Nigeria Police Force, the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), local authorities and medical personnel were immediately deployed, leading to the evacuation of all passengers within two hours.
The Corporation confirmed that four people—three adults and one child—lost their lives in the accident, while 64 others sustained varying degrees of injuries. It explained that an earlier report indicating five fatalities was corrected after verification by the Delta State medical team responsible for handling the deceased.
The injured passengers received treatment at the Railway Hospital in Owa-Oyibu and other medical facilities in Owa-Oyibu, Owa-Alero and Agbor. Most of those admitted were discharged within 72 hours, while three persons, including an NRC employee, remained under specialist medical care after undergoing surgical procedures.
The investigation team adopted a comprehensive methodology involving site inspections, evidence gathering, technical examination of locomotives and railway infrastructure, operational record reviews, interviews with witnesses and emergency responders, as well as assessments of rescue and medical response activities.
Preliminary findings indicate that a sudden development of a bogie or wheel defect during the journey could have caused abnormal wheel-rail interaction, excessive impact loading and loss of running stability, leading to the derailment.
Investigators also observed that the manner in which the train’s brakes were applied could have contributed to the severity of the accident.
However, the NRC emphasised that these remain working hypotheses and that the definitive cause will be established in the final report.
The Corporation further stated that inspections found no evidence of track vandalism, distinguishing the accident from previous derailments on the same corridor in November 2025 that were linked to vandalised railway infrastructure.
The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has commenced an independent investigation into the incident, with the NRC pledging full cooperation and stating that its final actions will be guided by the Bureau’s findings and recommendations.
To strengthen railway safety, the NRC recommended comprehensive inspections of rolling stock and railway infrastructure, enhanced maintenance programmes, improved operational safety procedures, regular emergency preparedness drills, continuous staff training, sustainable funding for railway modernisation and improved insurance and compensation arrangements for passengers and staff.
The Corporation expressed regret over the tragedy and extended condolences to the families of the victims. It added that the affected track has been fully restored, while the locomotives are undergoing reconditioning. The resumption of services, it said, will depend on the completion of detailed track and equipment safety audits.
For a better society
Follow us across our platforms:
Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/championnewsonline/
Facebook – https://web.facebook.com/championnewsonline
LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/company/champion-newspapers-limited/
https://x.com/championnewsng/
You can also like and comment on our YouTube videos.
https://youtu.be/QIBfD1tT80w?si=R4Qf3so2LxYu3GC2
