The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) said it has recovered critical evidence and completed major on-site investigative activities as efforts intensify to determine the cause of the fatal derailment on the Warri-Itakpe rail corridor.
This was contained in a statement on Wednesday by the NSIB’s Director, Public Affairs and Family Assistance, Mrs Funke Adebayo-Arowojobe.
TheFact Daily recalled that the accident, which occurred on Monday, June 8, claimed three lives and left several passengers injured, raising fresh concerns over railway safety in the country.
However , the Bureau disclosed that investigators had documented the accident scene, examined damaged rail infrastructure and equipment, collected operational and technical data, and interviewed personnel connected to the train’s operation.
The Director-General of the NSIB, Alex Badeh Jr., led the investigative team to the crash site shortly after the incident was reported.
He was accompanied by the Managing Director of the Nigerian Railway Corporation, Kayode Opeifa, and the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Transportation, Funsho Adebiyi.
According to the Bureau, evidence gathered from witness accounts, operational records, maintenance documents and other sources will undergo detailed analysis by specialists as investigators work to establish the circumstances that led to the derailment.
Speaking at the accident scene, Badeh expressed sympathy to the victims and their families, assuring the public that the investigation would be thorough and guided strictly by evidence.
“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 want the public to be assured that the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau has commenced a thorough and evidence-based investigation. 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.”
In a move underscoring the human impact of the tragedy, the NSIB chief met with affected passengers and families of the deceased, while also visiting injured victims receiving treatment at hospitals and primary healthcare centres.
The Bureau 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.
NSIB also acknowledged the support provided by the Nigerian Railway Corporation, the Federal Ministry of Transportation and the Nigerian Air Force, which it said facilitated rapid deployment of investigators and access to operational facilities and information.
The agency stressed that its investigation is strictly safety-focused and not intended to apportion blame or determine criminal or civil liability.
Rather, it said the goal is to identify causal and contributing factors and recommend measures to improve railway safety nationwide.
NSIB said a final report containing its findings and safety recommendations will be released at the conclusion of the investigation.
