The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has recovered major evidence from the scene of the Monday’s train derailment along the Warri-Itakpe rail corridor.

The bureau also said that it has intensified efforts to determine the immediate and the remote causes of the accident.

A statement yesterday by the Director, Public Affairs and Family Assistance, NSIB, Funke Adebayo-Arowojobe, said that the bureau was already completing major on-site activities and gathering vital operational and technical information.

The statement hinted that the bureau had documented the accident scene, examined damaged rail equipment and infrastructure, reviewed operational procedures and conducted interviews with personnel connected to the train’s operation.

According to her, evidence recovered from witness accounts, operational records, maintenance documents and other sources would undergo detailed analysis by specialists as part of efforts to establish the circumstances surrounding the derailment.

The statement quoted the Director-General of NSIB, Alex BadehJnr. as expressing condolences to victims and their families.

Badeh assured the public that the investigation would be thorough, independent and evidence-driven.

He added that the bureau would follow all available evidence and issue safety recommendations aimed at addressing identified risks and preventing similar incidents on the nation’s railway network.

The NSIB said it was 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 process.

The bureau also mentioned the support received from the NRC, the Federal Ministry of Transportation and the Nigerian Air Force, noting that their assistance facilitated 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 was focused solely on improving transportation safety and not on 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,” he said.

The agency said a final report containing its findings and safety recommendations would be released upon completion of the investigation.

NSIB said further updates would be provided as the investigation progresses.

As of yesterday, no fewer than five persons have died from the accident so far, while about 40 persons sustained injuries.

Approximately 25 of the injuries were classified as serious traumatic injuries.

No fewer than 482 persons, including 442 passengers were on board the train as of the time of the accident.