The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) has disclosed that a “possible sudden development of a bogie or wheel defect” 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 of brake application” as a factor that may have contributed to the severity of the incident, while stressing that both remain working hypotheses pending the conclusion of a comprehensive investigation.
The NRC disclosed this in its preliminary report on the incident, which occurred while the train was approaching 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.”
According to the NRC, the train departed Itakpe at noon with 482 people on board, comprising 442 passengers and 40 operational personnel.
It said that the derailment affected five coaches, one locomotive and a power car, adding that three coaches and the power car overturned, while the other derailed rolling stock remained upright.
The NRC said emergency response operations were immediately activated, 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.”
The corporation said 28 passengers were treated and discharged at the Railway Hospital, 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 preliminary investigation, according to the corporation, involved site inspections, evidence collection, examination of operational records, technical assessments of the locomotive and rolling stock, and interviews with witnesses, crew members, operations and maintenance personnel, and emergency responders.
The inquiry also examined the track infrastructure, turnout arrangements and communication systems in the affected area.
The NRC said the site examination found the points intact and uncovered no evidence of track vandalism.
“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 further noted that this differs from the WITS accidents of November 1 and November 8, 2025, which it said were attributed to track vandalism.
NSIB independent investigation ongoing
The NRC said its internal inquiry is not the final determination of the cause of the accident.
“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.
Recommendations
Based on its preliminary findings, the NRC recommended some corrective and preventive measures, including 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 preparedness and rescue capabilities, strengthening staff training and competency assessments, and ensuring sustainable funding for railway modernisation.
The corporation also recommended strengthening its insurance and compensation framework to provide adequate coverage for medical treatment, disability support and compensation for fatalities.
Track Restored, Resumption Subject To Safety Audit
The corporation, however, said the track had been fully recovered and restored, while the locomotives had been recovered and are undergoing reconditioning.
It said operations would not resume until a detailed safety audit of the track and equipment is completed.
The corporation expressed regret over the incident and extended condolences to the families of those who died.
It said its priority is to strengthen railway safety, improve operational resilience and restore public confidence in rail transportation.