By Ikugbadi Oluwasegun
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 points to the possible sudden development of a bogie and wheel defect while the train was en route as a potential cause of the derailment.
Investigators also noted that the manner in which the brakes were applied may have contributed to the severity of the incident.
The NRC says the track points were intact, with no evidence of vandalism found. However, the corporation said that the findings remain provisional, as an independent investigation by the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau is still ongoing.
The NRC has recommended stronger rolling-stock inspections, improved safety procedures, enhanced emergency preparedness, better staff training, and sustainable funding for railway modernisation.
The Corporation says the affected track has been restored, while the locomotives are undergoing reconditioning.
Resumption of the Warri–Itakpe train service will depend on the completion of detailed safety audits.
The NRC Managing Director, Kayode Opeifa, commended stakeholders for their support during the incident, expressed condolences to the families of the deceased, and reaffirmed the Corporation’s commitment to improving railway safety and restoring public confidence.
It would be recalled that the train, which was carrying 482 people, derailed, affecting five coaches, a locomotive, and a power car.
The incident claimed four lives—three adults and one child—and left 64 people injured.
