Train Derails in Southern Mexico, Leaving 13 Dead and Many Injured
A train accident in southern Mexico has resulted in at least 13 fatalities and left dozens injured. The incident occurred when the Interoceanic Train derailed as it navigated a curve near the town of Nizanda on Sunday. This accident has halted traffic along a significant rail line that connects the Pacific Ocean with the Gulf of Mexico.
According to Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum, the tragic event has led to the deaths of 13 individuals, while 98 others sustained injuries, five of whom are reported to be in serious condition. President Sheinbaum shared this information on social media platform X, noting her immediate response to the crisis. She has directed the secretary of the navy and the undersecretary of human rights from the Ministry of the Interior to the accident site to assist affected families.
Local officials, including Oaxaca state Governor Salomon Jara, confirmed that multiple government agencies have arrived at the scene to provide assistance to those injured. At the time of the accident, there were a total of 241 passengers and nine crew members on board the train.
The Interoceanic Train, inaugurated in 2023 by former President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, is part of a larger initiative aimed at enhancing rail travel in southern Mexico. This initiative also seeks to develop the infrastructure across the Tehuantepec Isthmus, a key geographical area that connects the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans.
The Mexican government envisions transforming the isthmus into a strategic corridor for international trade. This includes the development of ports and rail lines designed to facilitate transport between the two oceans. Currently, the Interoceanic Train operates between the port of Salina Cruz on the Pacific side and Coatzacoalcos on the Gulf side, covering a distance of approximately 180 miles.
As investigations into the cause of the derailment continue, the focus remains on providing support and care for those affected by this devastating incident. The Mexican government has pledged to ensure that assistance reaches the families of victims and those injured in this tragic event.
