The Nigerian Railway Corporation has said a possible sudden defect in a bogie or wheel may have been the primary factor in the June 8, 2026 derailment of the Warri-Itakpe Train Service in Delta State.
The corporation also identified the possible manner in which the train’s brakes were applied as a factor that may have worsened the severity of the accident.
The NRC made this known in its preliminary investigation report signed by its Managing Director, Kayode Opeifa, on Monday.
According to the corporation, the derailment occurred as the train approached the Outer Home signal of the Goodluck Jonathan Railway Station at kilometre 177 in Owa-Oyibu, Agbor.
The NRC said its internal inquiry found that a possible sudden bogie or wheel defect could have caused abnormal wheel-rail interaction, excessive impact loading and loss of running stability.
It, however, stressed that the findings remain working hypotheses pending the completion of a comprehensive investigation.
Four Confirmed Dead, 64 Injured
The NRC said the train departed Itakpe at noon with 482 people on board, comprising 442 passengers and 40 operational personnel.
Five coaches, one locomotive and a power car were affected in the derailment, while three coaches and the power car overturned.
The corporation said emergency response operations were immediately activated and all passengers were evacuated within two hours.
It confirmed that four people — three adults and one child — died in the accident, while 64 others sustained injuries.
The NRC said 28 passengers were treated and discharged at the Railway Hospital in Owa-Oyibu, while 36 others were taken to general hospitals in Owa-Oyibu, Owa-Alero and the Central Hospital, Agbor.
It added that most of those admitted were discharged within 72 hours, while three people, including an NRC staff member who required surgery, remained under specialist medical care.
The corporation said the initial report of five fatalities was later corrected after verification with the Delta State Medical Team responsible for handling the deceased.
NRC Rules Out Track Vandalism
The preliminary investigation involved site inspections, evidence collection, examination of operational records, technical assessments of the locomotive and rolling stock, as well as interviews with witnesses, crew members, operations and maintenance personnel and emergency responders.
The inquiry also examined the track infrastructure, turnout arrangements and communication systems around the accident location.
The NRC said the points were found intact and no evidence of track vandalism was discovered.
The corporation noted that this differed from the Warri-Itakpe Train Service accidents of November 1 and November 8, 2025, which it said were attributed to track vandalism.
NSIB Investigation Still Ongoing
The NRC stressed that its preliminary report does not constitute the final determination of the cause of the accident.
It said the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau has commenced an independent investigation in line with statutory requirements.
The NRC said it would cooperate fully with the NSIB and be guided by the bureau’s findings and recommendations.
NRC Recommends Safety Overhaul
Following its preliminary findings, the NRC recommended comprehensive inspections and safety audits of rolling stock, tracks and railway infrastructure across all operational corridors before equipment is returned to service.
It also called for stronger maintenance and condition-monitoring programmes, timely replacement of defective components and adequate availability of critical spare parts.
Other recommendations include reviewing operational safety procedures, improving emergency response and rescue capabilities, strengthening staff training and competency assessments, and ensuring sustainable funding for railway modernisation.
The corporation further recommended improvements to its insurance and compensation framework to ensure adequate coverage for medical treatment, disability support and compensation for fatalities.
Track Restored, Service Resumption Subject To Safety Audit
The NRC said the affected track has been fully recovered and restored, while the locomotives have been recovered and are undergoing reconditioning.
However, it said train operations would not resume until a detailed safety audit of the track and equipment has been completed.
The corporation expressed regret over the incident and extended condolences to the families of those who lost their lives.
It said its priority remains strengthening railway safety, improving operational resilience and restoring public confidence in rail transportation.