On Sunday, in Oaxaca, Mexico, a train carrying 250 passengers derailed, resulting in at least 13 fatalities and nearly 100 injuries.
The incident happened close to Nizanda, within the interoceanic corridor of the Isthmus of Tehuantepec, linking the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. This information was provided by the Secretary of the Mexican Navy via an official statement. The train had nine crew members and 241 passengers onboard when the main engine went off the rails.
Sadly, 13 individuals lost their lives, and 98 were reported injured, with 36 still receiving medical care at the time of the announcement. Fortunately, the remaining 139 passengers were said to be out of danger.
Aztec Noticias reported that a brief video captured by passengers showed someone calling for help, saying, “help us escape.”
According to El Universal, footage displayed civil protection personnel carrying an injured woman on a stretcher, with naval units and bystanders assisting in the rescue efforts.
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum stated on social media, “I have directed the Secretary of the Navy and the Undersecretary for Human Rights to be present at the scene, along with representatives from IMSS and IMSS Bienestar, to assist families directly.”
She added, “The Interior Department will coordinate our response. I appreciate the support from the Governor of Oaxaca and his team, and we will keep providing updates.”
As of now, the specific reason behind the derailment remains unknown. Some survivors expressed confusion; one passenger mentioned, “I sensed the train was going quite fast, but I can’t be sure if the brakes failed.” This individual, traveling with family towards the back of the train, reported only minor injuries.
El Universal also highlighted that this train accident on Sunday marked the sixth incident involving a Mayan or interoceanic train since March 2024, unfortunately being the first to cause fatalities.
The derailment happened on the Interoceanic Railway’s Z Line, a 212-kilometer stretch that the Mexican government initiated in 2023, connecting the states of Veracruz and Salina Cruz.
Earlier this month, on December 20th, there was another incident on the same interoceanic route when a train collided with an asphalt tanker that attempted to cross its path. Thankfully, no injuries were reported among the 148 train passengers.
Authorities indicated that the driver of the asphalt truck did sustain injuries.
