The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) has said a “possible sudden development of a bogie or wheel defect” may have been the main factor behind the June 8, 2026 derailment of the Warri-Itakpe Train Service in Delta State.
The corporation also identified the “possible manner of brake application” as a factor that may have worsened the severity of the accident. However, it stressed that both possibilities remain working hypotheses pending the completion of a comprehensive investigation.
The NRC disclosed this in its preliminary report on the incident, which occurred as the train approached the Outer Home signal of the Goodluck Jonathan Railway Station at kilometre 177, Owa-Oyibu, Agbor.
“Based on the internal investigation carried out by the NRC inquiry team, preliminary observations indicate the possible sudden development of a bogie/wheel defect while en route. This observation is being investigated further as a potential primary factor in the derailment,” the NRC said in the report signed by its Managing Director, Kayode Opeifa, on Monday.
“A wheel defect of this nature may have generated abnormal wheel-rail interaction, excessive impact loading, and loss of running stability. The investigation also noted that the possible manner of brake application may have contributed to the severity of the outcome.”
The NRC said the train left Itakpe at noon with 482 people on board, including 442 passengers and 40 operational personnel.
Five coaches, one locomotive and a power car were affected by the derailment. Three coaches and the power car overturned, while the other derailed rolling stock remained upright.
The corporation said emergency response efforts began immediately and all passengers were evacuated within two hours.
“Tragically, the incident resulted in four confirmed fatalities, three adults and one child and 64 persons reported injured.”
According to the NRC, 28 passengers received treatment and were discharged from the Railway Hospital in Owa-Oyibu, while 36 others were taken to general hospitals in Owa-Oyibu, Owa-Alero and the Central Hospital Agbor.
“Most of those admitted were discharged within 72 hours. Three persons, including one NRC personnel who required surgical intervention, remain under specialist medical care, and two subsequently had surgical procedures carried out,” it said. “The initial report of five fatalities was subsequently corrected following verification with the Delta State Medical Team who handled all the deceased.”
The corporation said its preliminary investigation involved inspections of the accident site, collection of evidence, examination of operational records and technical assessments of the locomotive and rolling stock.
Investigators also interviewed witnesses, train crew members, operations and maintenance personnel as well as emergency responders. The track infrastructure, turnout arrangements and communication systems in the affected area were also examined.
The NRC said the investigation found no evidence of track vandalism, noting that the points at the scene remained intact.
“It is important to note that site examination by the inquiry team observed that the points were intact and that no evidence of track vandalism was found,” it noted.
The corporation said this finding differs from the Warri-Itakpe Train Service accidents recorded on November 1 and November 8, 2025, which it said were linked to track vandalism.
The NRC, however, emphasised that its internal inquiry does not constitute the final determination of the accident’s cause.
“These remain working hypotheses only. The definitive cause or causes of the accident will be determined through comprehensive analysis and will be set out in the final report,” said the NRC.
“In line with statutory requirements, the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has commenced an independent investigation. The Nigerian Railway Corporation is fully cooperating with the NSIB investigation and will be guided by its findings and recommendations. The NSIB final report remains pending. The NSIB’s final report is still pending,” it added.
Based on its preliminary findings, the NRC recommended a series of safety measures, including comprehensive inspections and safety audits of railway rolling stock, tracks and infrastructure across all operational corridors before equipment is returned to service.
It also called for stronger maintenance and condition-monitoring systems, prompt replacement of defective components and adequate stocks of critical spare parts.
Other recommendations include a review of operational safety procedures, improved emergency preparedness and rescue capabilities, stronger staff training and competency assessments, and sustainable funding for railway modernisation.
The corporation also recommended improvements to its insurance and compensation framework to ensure adequate coverage for medical treatment, disability support and compensation for fatalities.
The NRC said the affected track had been fully recovered and restored, while the locomotives had also been retrieved and were undergoing reconditioning.
However, it stressed that train operations would only resume after a detailed safety audit of the track and equipment has been completed.
The corporation expressed regret over the incident and extended its condolences to the families of those who lost their lives.
It said its focus remains on improving railway safety, strengthening operational resilience and rebuilding public confidence in rail transportation.
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