The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) has confirmed that four people died in the Warri-Itakpe Train Service (WITS) derailment that occurred at Owa-Oyibu, near the Goodluck Jonathan Railway Station in Delta State, on June 8, 2026.
The NRC, in its preliminary report on the incident, said the train departed Itakpe at about 12pm with 482 people on board, comprising 442 passengers and 40 operational personnel.
The train derailed at about 4:17pm while approaching the Outer Home signal of the Goodluck Jonathan Railway Station at kilometre 177.
According to the report, the derailment affected five coaches, one locomotive and a power car. Three coaches and the power car overturned, while other affected rolling stock derailed but remained upright.
The corporation said all passengers were evacuated within two hours of the incident with the assistance of the Delta State Government, security agencies, emergency response organisations and medical teams.
It confirmed that 64 people sustained injuries, including bruises, lacerations, blunt trauma, musculoskeletal injuries, lumbar symptoms and maxillofacial injuries.
The NRC 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, while three people, including an NRC staff member who required surgery, remained under specialist medical care. Two of the injured subsequently underwent surgical procedures.
The corporation also clarified that an initial report of five deaths was later corrected following verification with the Delta State medical team responsible for handling the deceased.
Possible wheel defect under investigation
The NRC said its internal investigation found a possible sudden development of a bogie or wheel defect while the train was travelling.
It said the defect was being investigated as a potential primary factor in the derailment, noting that it could have resulted in abnormal wheel-rail interaction, excessive impact loading and loss of running stability.
The report also stated that the possible manner in which the brakes were applied may have contributed to the severity of the incident.
However, the corporation stressed that the findings remained working hypotheses and that the definitive cause would be established after further analysis.
The NRC said its investigation found that the railway points were intact and there was no evidence of track vandalism at the site.
This, it noted, differed from the WITS incidents of November 1 and November 8, 2025, which were attributed to track vandalism.
NSIB investigation ongoing
The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has commenced an independent investigation into the incident, according to the NRC.
The corporation said it was cooperating fully with the NSIB and would be guided by the findings and recommendations contained in its final report.
The NRC recommended comprehensive inspections and safety audits of rolling stock, tracks and railway infrastructure across its operational corridors.
It also called for stronger maintenance and condition-monitoring programmes, timely replacement of defective components and improved availability of critical spare parts.
Other recommendations include reviewing operational safety procedures, improving emergency response capabilities, strengthening staff training and competency assessments, and ensuring sustainable funding for railway modernisation.
The corporation also recommended improvements to its insurance and compensation framework to provide adequate coverage for medical treatment, disability support and fatalities.
The NRC said the track at the accident location had been fully recovered and restored, while the affected locomotives had been recovered and were undergoing reconditioning.
It added that resumption of the Warri-Itakpe service would depend on the completion of a detailed track and equipment safety audit.
The corporation expressed condolences to the families of the deceased and said it remained committed to improving railway safety, operational resilience and public confidence in rail transportation.
