The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) has released its preliminary report on the June 8 derailment of the Warri–Itakpe Train Service at Owa-Oyibu, near the Goodluck Jonathan Railway Station in Delta State.
The preliminary investigation identified the possible sudden development of a bogie and wheel defect while the train was in transit as a potential cause of the derailment.
Investigators also found that the manner in which the train’s brakes were applied may have contributed to the severity of the incident.
According to the Corporation, the railway track points at the location of the incident were found to be intact, with no evidence of vandalism discovered during the preliminary investigation.
The NRC, however, stressed that the findings remain provisional, as an independent investigation by the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) is still ongoing.
The final determination of the cause of the accident will therefore depend on the outcome of the ongoing independent investigation.
NRC Recommends Stronger Safety Measures
Following the preliminary findings, the Corporation recommended a number of measures aimed at strengthening railway safety.
These include more rigorous rolling-stock inspections, improved operational safety procedures, enhanced emergency preparedness and additional staff training.
The NRC also highlighted the need for sustainable funding to support the modernisation and maintenance of railway infrastructure and equipment.
Affected Track Restored
The Corporation said the affected section of the railway track has been restored, while the locomotives involved are undergoing reconditioning.
However, the Warri–Itakpe train service will only resume after the completion of detailed safety audits and other necessary assessments.
NRC Managing Director, Kayode Opeifa, commended stakeholders for their support and assistance during the incident.
Opeifa also expressed condolences to the families of those who lost their lives and reaffirmed the Corporation’s commitment to improving railway safety and restoring public confidence in the nation’s rail transport system.
The train was carrying 482 passengers when it derailed, affecting five coaches, a locomotive and a power car.
The incident resulted in the deaths of four people—three adults and one child—while 64 others sustained injuries.
The NRC said the ongoing safety reviews and recommended measures are intended to prevent similar incidents and ensure safer and more reliable railway operations.
