The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) on Monday said 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.”
Four Confirmed Dead, 64 Injured
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.
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.