By Seun Ibiyemi
The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has announced significant progress in its investigation into the train derailment that occurred along the Warri-Itakpe rail corridor on June 8, with investigators successfully retrieving critical evidence and completing major on-site examination activities.
The development was disclosed in a statement issued on Wednesday by the Director of Public Affairs and Family Assistance of the Bureau, Mrs. Funke Adebayo-Arowojobe.
According to the statement, the NSIB commenced a full-scale investigation immediately after receiving notification of the accident, deploying a team led by the Director-General, Capt. Alex Badeh Jr., to the scene.
The investigative visit was undertaken in collaboration with key transportation stakeholders, including the Managing Director of the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC), Dr. Kayode Opeifa, and the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Transportation, Mr. Funsho Adebiyi.
Adebayo-Arowojobe said investigators conducted extensive documentation of the accident site and examined the affected rail infrastructure and equipment as part of efforts to determine the cause of the incident.
“At the scene, investigators conducted documentation of the accident site, examined the affected rail equipment and infrastructure, gathered operational and technical information, and interviewed relevant personnel connected to the operation of the train,” she stated.
She added that evidence recovered from witness interviews, operational records, maintenance documents and other investigative sources would undergo detailed analysis by the Bureau’s specialists.
Speaking at the accident scene, Badeh expressed condolences to the families of victims and all passengers affected by the derailment.
“Our thoughts and deepest sympathies are with the families who have lost loved ones, those who sustained injuries, and every passenger affected by this tragic occurrence,” he said.
“We understand the pain and uncertainty such an event brings, and we want the public to be assured that the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau has commenced a thorough and evidence-based investigation.”
The NSIB Director-General assured that investigators would pursue all available facts to identify the circumstances surrounding the derailment and develop recommendations to improve railway safety.
“We will follow the facts wherever they lead and generate actionable safety recommendations aimed at systematically addressing identified risks and preventing a recurrence on our railway network,” he added.
As part of the Bureau’s response, Badeh also met with passengers affected by the accident and visited injured victims receiving treatment at hospitals and primary healthcare facilities.
During the visits, he conveyed the condolences of the Federal Government and the Bureau to bereaved families while offering support and reassurance to those undergoing medical care.
The NSIB said it is working closely with the Nigerian Railway Corporation, the Federal Ministry of Transportation, the Federal Ministry of Health and other relevant federal and state agencies throughout the investigation process.
The Bureau also commended the NRC, the Federal Ministry of Transportation and the Nigerian Air Force for their support in facilitating access to operational facilities, information and resources required for the investigation.
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Badeh reiterated that the investigation remains strictly safety-focused and is not intended to assign blame or determine civil or criminal liability.
“The purpose of the investigation is not to apportion blame or determine civil or criminal liability. The essence is to establish the circumstances of the occurrence, identify causal and contributing factors, and determine measures that can enhance the safety of rail transportation operations in Nigeria,” he explained.
He assured that the Bureau would publish its findings and issue safety recommendations upon completion of the investigation.
According to him, the recommendations will be aimed at strengthening rail transport safety standards and reducing the likelihood of similar incidents in the future.
