Breaking: 13 Killed, 98 Injured as Passenger Train Derails in Mexico, Rescue Ops Underway
The Mexican Navy said the train, which derailed near the town of Nizanda, was carrying 250 people, including nine crew members and 241 passengers
Mexican authorities said on Sunday that at least 13 people were killed after an Interoceanic Train derailed in the southern state of Oaxaca.
The Mexican Navy said the train, which derailed near the town of Nizanda, was carrying 250 people, including nine crew members and 241 passengers.
Of those on board, 193 were reported to be out of danger, while 98 were injured, including 36 who were receiving medical assistance.
President Claudia Sheinbaum said on X that five of the injured were in critical condition, adding that senior officials had been dispatched to the site to assist the families of those killed.
Mexico’s Attorney General’s Office has already opened an investigation into the incident, Attorney General Ernestina Godoy Ramos said in a social media post.
The Interoceanic Train, inaugurated in 2023 under former President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, forms part of the broader Interoceanic Corridor project.
The initiative was designed to modernize the rail link across the Isthmus of Tehuantepec, connecting Mexico’s Pacific port of Salina Cruz with Coatzacoalcos on the Gulf Coast.
The Mexican government has sought to develop the isthmus into a strategic trade corridor, expanding ports, railways and industrial infrastructure with the goal of creating a route that could compete with the Panama Canal.
The train service is also part of a broader push to expand passenger and freight rail in southern Mexico and stimulate economic development in the region.
A devastating train accident in Mexico has left at least 13 people dead and 98 others injured, after a passenger train derailed in a catastrophic incident that has once again highlighted serious concerns about rail safety, infrastructure maintenance, and emergency preparedness. The derailment, which occurred in a densely populated region, triggered chaos at the site as rescue teams raced against time to pull survivors from mangled coaches.
According to initial reports from local authorities, the train derailed suddenly while traveling at speed, causing multiple coaches to jump off the tracks and overturn. Eyewitnesses described a terrifying sequence of events, with a loud screeching noise followed by violent shaking as passengers were thrown from their seats. Several coaches reportedly collided with each other, while others toppled onto their sides, trapping dozens of people inside.
Emergency responders confirmed that 13 passengers lost their lives on the spot or later succumbed to injuries, while 98 people were injured, many of them seriously. Hospitals in nearby towns were placed on high alert as ambulances transported the wounded for urgent medical treatment.
Images and videos from the scene showed twisted metal, shattered windows, and scattered personal belongings strewn across the tracks. Survivors, some covered in blood and dust, were seen helping each other escape through broken windows and damaged doors. The cries for help echoed across the site as rescue teams worked tirelessly to locate those trapped under debris.
Firefighters, police, medical teams, and civil defense personnel were deployed in large numbers. Heavy machinery was brought in to lift overturned coaches, while sniffer dogs were used to search for survivors. Authorities cordoned off the area to prevent crowds from interfering with rescue operations.
Passengers who survived the derailment recounted harrowing details of the incident. Many said the train appeared to be moving normally before suddenly jolting violently. Some recalled seeing sparks moments before the derailment, while others described hearing a loud explosion-like sound.
“I felt the coach lift and then slam down,” said one injured passenger from his hospital bed. “People were screaming, luggage was flying everywhere. I thought I was going to die.”
Several survivors said that the lack of clear instructions immediately after the accident added to the panic, as many passengers were unsure how to evacuate safely.
Hospitals in the region faced immense pressure as dozens of injured passengers arrived within a short span of time. Doctors said that many victims suffered fractures, head injuries, internal bleeding, and severe cuts caused by shattered glass and metal debris. Some of the critically injured were transferred to larger hospitals in nearby cities for specialized care.
Health authorities praised the swift response of medical teams but acknowledged that the scale of the disaster tested the limits of local healthcare infrastructure. Blood donation appeals were issued as hospitals worked around the clock to save lives.
In response to the tragedy, Mexican authorities ordered a high-level investigation to determine the exact cause of the derailment. Transport and railway officials said that early indications point to possible track defects or mechanical failure, but stressed that it was too early to draw conclusions.
Investigators are examining the condition of the tracks, signaling systems, and train equipment. Data from the train’s event recorder, similar to a “black box,” is also expected to provide crucial insights into speed, braking patterns, and technical anomalies prior to the crash.
The deadly derailment has sparked renewed debate about the state of Mexico’s rail infrastructure. Experts and opposition leaders have questioned whether aging tracks, inadequate maintenance, or cost-cutting measures played a role in the disaster. Passenger advocacy groups have long warned about safety lapses, particularly on routes that see heavy usage.
Railway unions also raised concerns about staff shortages and long working hours, arguing that human error combined with outdated systems could prove fatal. They have called for comprehensive safety audits and increased investment in modern rail technology.
Political leaders across Mexico expressed deep sorrow over the loss of lives. The President and senior government officials offered condolences to the families of the victims and pledged full support to those injured. Flags were lowered in some regions as a mark of respect, and moments of silence were observed.
The government also announced financial compensation for the families of the deceased and assured free medical treatment for all injured passengers. Officials emphasized that accountability would be ensured once the investigation is completed.
The derailment led to major disruptions in rail services across the affected region. Several routes were suspended or diverted as authorities worked to clear the wreckage and assess damage to the tracks. Rail officials said restoring normal operations could take days, depending on the extent of structural damage.
Passengers traveling on other routes faced delays and cancellations, adding to public frustration. However, officials urged patience, stating that safety checks were being prioritized to prevent further incidents.
Beyond physical injuries, experts warn of the psychological impact such disasters can have on survivors. Many passengers are likely to experience trauma, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress following the incident. Mental health professionals have been deployed to provide counseling and emotional support to affected individuals and families.
Children and elderly passengers, in particular, are considered vulnerable and may require long-term psychological care.
Civil society organizations and transport safety experts have called for sweeping reforms to prevent similar tragedies in the future. Recommendations include regular track inspections, upgraded signaling systems, better training for railway staff, and clear emergency protocols for passengers.
There are also demands for transparency in the investigation process, with calls to make the findings public and hold responsible parties accountable—whether they are contractors, officials, or private operators.
The deadly train derailment that claimed 13 lives and injured 98 people stands as a grim reminder of the devastating consequences of infrastructure failures and safety lapses. While trains remain one of the most efficient modes of mass transport, incidents like this underscore the urgent need for vigilance, investment, and accountability.
As Mexico mourns the victims of this tragedy, the focus now shifts to healing the injured, supporting grieving families, and ensuring that lessons from this disaster lead to meaningful changes. Only through decisive action and sustained commitment to safety can future tragedies be prevented and public trust in rail travel restored.
