[UPDATED] NRC Links Possible Wheel Defect to Warri-Itakpe Train Derailment

The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) has identified a possible sudden bogie or wheel defect as a potential primary factor in the June 8, 2026 derailment of the Warri-Itakpe Train Service in Delta State.

The corporation also said the manner in which the train’s brakes may have been applied could have contributed to the severity of the accident. However, it stressed that both findings remain working hypotheses pending the conclusion 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 in 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 report, signed by NRC Managing Director Kayode Opeifa on Monday, stated.

The corporation explained that such a defect could have caused abnormal interaction between the wheel and rail, excessive impact loading and a loss of running stability.

It added that the possible manner of brake application may also have worsened the outcome.

Four Confirmed Dead, 64 Injured

According to the NRC, the train departed Itakpe at noon with 482 people on board, including 442 passengers and 40 operational personnel.

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

The NRC said emergency response operations were activated immediately, with all passengers evacuated within two hours.

The incident resulted in four confirmed fatalities—three adults and one child—while 64 people were injured.

The corporation said 28 passengers were treated and discharged at the Railway Hospital in Owa-Oyibu, while another 36 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,” the report said.

The NRC explained that an initial report of five fatalities was later corrected following verification with the Delta State Medical Team, which handled the deceased.

NRC Rules Out Track Vandalism

The preliminary inquiry involved site inspections, evidence collection, reviews of operational records, technical assessments of the locomotive and rolling stock, as well as interviews with witnesses, crew members, operations and maintenance personnel and emergency responders.

Investigators also examined the track infrastructure, turnout arrangements and communication systems in the affected area.

The NRC said its examination of the site found the railway 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 said.

The corporation noted that the finding differs from the Warri-Itakpe Train Service accidents of November 1 and November 8, 2025, which it said were attributed to track vandalism.

NSIB Independent Investigation Ongoing

The NRC stressed that its preliminary findings do not constitute a final determination of the cause of the derailment.

“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,” the corporation said.

It added that, in line with statutory requirements, the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) had commenced an independent investigation into the incident.

The NRC said it was fully cooperating with the NSIB investigation and would be guided by its findings and recommendations.

The NSIB’s final report is still pending.