The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has recovered critical evidence from the scene of Monday’s train derailment along the Warri-Itakpe rail corridor, as efforts intensify to uncover what caused the tragic accident that has claimed at least five lives.
The bureau disclosed that investigators have completed major on-site activities and are gathering vital operational and technical information to determine both the immediate and underlying causes of the derailment.
In a statement issued by the Director of Public Affairs and Family Assistance, Funke Adebayo-Arowojobe, the NSIB said investigators documented the accident scene, examined damaged rail equipment and infrastructure, reviewed operational procedures, and interviewed personnel involved in the train’s operation.
According to the agency, evidence obtained from witness accounts, operational records, maintenance documents, and other sources will undergo detailed analysis by specialists as part of efforts to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident.
The Director-General of NSIB, Alex Badeh Jnr., expressed condolences to the victims and their families, assuring the public that the investigation would be thorough, independent, and evidence-driven.
He stated that the bureau would follow all available evidence and issue safety recommendations aimed at addressing identified risks and preventing similar accidents on Nigeria’s railway network.
The NSIB said it is working closely with the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC), the Federal Ministry of Transportation, the Federal Ministry of Health, and other relevant federal and state agencies throughout the investigation.
The bureau also acknowledged the support of the NRC, the Federal Ministry of Transportation, and the Nigerian Air Force, noting that their assistance enabled the rapid deployment of investigators and access to operational facilities and information required for the inquiry.
Reiterating the purpose of the investigation, the NSIB stressed that its role is focused solely on improving transportation safety rather than assigning blame or determining legal liability.
“The objective is to establish what happened, identify causal and contributing factors, and recommend measures that will enhance the safety of railway operations in Nigeria,” the agency stated.
A final report containing the bureau’s findings and safety recommendations will be released upon completion of the investigation, while further updates will be provided as the inquiry progresses.
As of yesterday, no fewer than five people had died from the accident, while about 40 others sustained injuries. Approximately 25 of the injured suffered serious traumatic injuries.
The train was carrying 482 people, including 442 passengers, at the time of the derailment, leaving many families anxiously awaiting answers about what went wrong.
