By CHIAZO OGBOLU

The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) has released a preliminary report on the Warri-Itakpe Train Service (WITS) accident which occurred on June 8 near Goodluck Jonathan Railway Station, Delta.

The Managing Director of NRC, Dr Kayode Opeifa, made this known in a statement on Monday in Lagos.

Opeifa noted that the train departed Itakpe at noon with 482 persons comprising 442 passengers and 40 operational personnel.

He said that the train derailed near Kilometre 177, Owa-Oyibu, Agbor, Delta.

“The incident affected five coaches, one locomotive and a power car. Three coaches and the power car overturned, while other rolling stock derailed but remained upright.

“Emergency response operations began immediately, with support from Delta State agencies, police, Federal Road Safety Corps, National Emergency Management Authority, local authorities and medical teams.

“The corporation confirmed four fatalities, comprising three adults and one child, while 64 persons sustained injuries including bruises, lacerations, blunt trauma, musculoskeletal strain, lumbar and maxillofacial injuries,” he said.

He added that 28 injured passengers were treated and discharged at the Railway Hospital, Owa-Oyibu, while 36 others received treatment at hospitals in Owa-Oyibu, Owa-Alero and Agbor, all in Delta.

Opeifa said that most of the admitted passengers were discharged within 72 hours, while three persons, including an NRC employee, remained under specialist care, with two later undergoing surgical procedures.

Opeifa said that NRC internal investigation involved site inspections, evidence collection, operational records, technical examinations, interviews and medical assessments.

He said that the investigation also involved reviews of track infrastructure and rescue and recovery operations.

“Preliminary findings indicated a possible sudden bogie or wheel defect developed while the train was en route, potentially causing abnormal wheel-rail interaction, excessive impact loading and loss of stability.

“The investigation found that possible brake application may have contributed to the incident’s severity. These remained working hypotheses pending comprehensive analysis and definitive conclusions.

“Examination showed railway points remained intact and no evidence of track vandalism was discovered, distinguishing the incident from previous WITS accidents attributed to vandalism in 2025,” he said.

He said the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau had begun an independent investigation, adding that NRC would cooperate and await its findings and recommendations before reaching final conclusions.

“NRC recommends comprehensive inspections, safety audits, stronger maintenance and condition monitoring, timely replacement of defective components, adequate spare parts and continued investment in modern rolling stock and infrastructure across corridors.

“It also recommends reviewing operational procedures, strengthening safety compliance and enforcement, improving emergency preparedness, conducting regular drills, enhancing rescue capabilities, and strengthening coordination among emergency response agencies during railway emergencies.

“The corporation calls for continuous professional development, accident prevention training, emergency management training and periodic competency assessments to ensure railway personnel possess appropriate knowledge and skills for safe operations,” he said.

Opeifa urged sustainable funding for railway modernisation, optimisation of existing assets, development of new infrastructure and services, and stronger insurance and compensation arrangements for passengers and staff.

“The corporation apologises for delay in releasing the preliminary report. Fatalities required painstaking efforts to notify relatives through established medical and victim support procedures before publication.”

Opeifa said that the track had been fully recovered and restored, while locomotives were undergoing reconditioning.

He said that resumption of service would depend on detailed track and equipment safety audits. (NAN)