The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) is looking into the train derailment that happened on the Warri-Itakpe rail line on Monday, 8 June. They have made progress by retrieving important evidence.
Funke Adebayo-Arowojobe, the Director of Public Affairs and Family Assistance at NSIB, shared this news in a statement on Wednesday in Lagos.
Mrs Adebayo-Arowojobe said the bureau has finished key investigations at the accident site.
“After we were informed about the accident, the Director General of the NSIB, Alex Badeh Jr., led our investigation team to the scene to begin our work.
“He was joined by the Managing Director of the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC), Dr Kayode Opeifa, and Mr Funsho Adebiyi, the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Transportation. This was part of a coordinated effort with other transportation stakeholders and authorities.
“At the site, our investigators documented what happened, looked at the damaged rail equipment and infrastructure, collected operational and technical details, and spoke with people involved in the train's operation.
“The evidence we recovered from witness interviews, operational records, maintenance documents, and other investigative sources will be carefully examined by our specialists,” she said.
While at the accident scene, Mr Badeh expressed the bureau's condolences to those affected.
“Our thoughts are with the families who lost loved ones, those injured, and all passengers impacted by this sad event.
“We understand the pain and uncertainty this brings, and we assure the public that the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau has begun a thorough investigation based on evidence.
“We will follow the facts wherever they lead and provide safety recommendations aimed at addressing identified risks and preventing future incidents on our railway network,” he said.
During the visit, Mr Badeh showed the bureau's commitment to the human side of transportation safety by meeting with passengers affected by the derailment.
He expressed sympathy to the families of victims, sharing the condolences of the NSIB and the government.
The director general also visited injured persons at various primary healthcare centers and hospitals, offering words of comfort and support.
“The Bureau is working closely with the NRC, Federal Ministry of Transportation, Federal Ministry of Health, and other relevant agencies throughout this investigation.
“NSIB appreciates the help from NRC, the Federal Ministry of Transportation, and Nigeria Air Force, which made it easier for our team to mobilize resources and access necessary information,” he said.
He stressed that the NSIB investigation is focused on safety and not on punishment.
“The goal of this investigation is not to assign blame or decide on civil or criminal responsibility.
“The aim is to understand what happened, identify contributing factors, and find ways to improve the safety of rail transport in Nigeria.
“Once we finish the investigation, we will publish our findings and make safety recommendations,” he said.
Mr Badeh promised that the recommendations would help strengthen rail transport safety and reduce the chances of future incidents.
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