This file photo shows a ceremonial train travelling along the Maya Train route with President Andrés Manuel López Obrador on board near Chocholá in Mexico’s Quintana Roo state on Dec. 15, 2023. AP Photo
A tragic train derailment in southern Mexico claimed at least 13 lives and left dozens of passengers injured, cutting off a major rail route linking the Pacific Ocean to the Gulf of Mexico. The crash happened Sunday as the Interoceanic Train travelled through a curved section of track near the town of Nizanda.
Train Leaves Tracks Near Nizanda
Officials said the train derailed while passing through the rural area, forcing an immediate halt to traffic along the important rail corridor. Emergency crews rushed to the scene to help passengers and secure the area.
“The Mexican Navy has informed me that, tragically, 13 people died in the Interoceanic Train accident,” Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum wrote in a public message. She also confirmed that 98 people suffered injuries, including five who remain in serious condition.
Government Sends Help to the Scene
President Sheinbaum said she directed senior federal officials to travel to the crash site and offer direct support to victims and their families. She asked the secretary of the navy and the undersecretary of human rights from the Interior Ministry to oversee assistance efforts.
Local authorities moved quickly as well. Salomon Jara, the governor of Oaxaca, said several government agencies arrived soon after the crash to help the injured and coordinate emergency response.
Medical teams treated passengers at the scene before transferring the most serious cases to nearby hospitals. Rescue workers also helped passengers safely leave damaged rail cars.
Hundreds Were Onboard
Officials confirmed that 241 passengers and nine crew members were on the train at the time of the accident. Many travellers were using the service to cross southern Mexico, where the rail line serves as a key transportation link.
Authorities continue to account for all passengers while investigators work to determine what caused the derailment. Officials have not yet released details on whether track conditions, speed, or weather played a role.
A Key Rail Project for Southern Mexico
The Interoceanic Train began operations in 2023 during the presidency of Andrés Manuel López Obrador. The project aims to revive rail travel in southern Mexico and strengthen development across the Isthmus of Tehuantepec.
The government views the region as a strategic trade route. By improving ports and rail lines, officials hope to create a faster connection between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans.
The train currently runs between the Pacific port of Salina Cruz and the Gulf Coast city of Coatzacoalcos. The route spans about 290 kilometres and plays a growing role in both passenger travel and long-term economic plans.
Investigation Underway
Authorities have closed the affected section of track while crews clear debris and assess damage. Officials say rail traffic will remain suspended until safety checks are complete.
As families mourn those lost, the government says it will continue supporting victims and ensure a full investigation into the cause of the crash.
