At least 13 people have lost their lives and nearly 100 others were injured after a passenger train derailed in southern Mexico’s Oaxaca region, authorities have confirmed.
The train was travelling across the Isthmus of Tehuantepec, linking the Gulf of Mexico to the Pacific Ocean, when it came off the tracks while navigating a bend near the town of Nizanda. There were 241 passengers and nine crew members on board at the time of the crash.
Officials said 98 people were injured, with 36 taken to hospital for treatment. Five of those hurt are reported to be in serious condition.
Images from the scene showed chaotic rescue efforts as emergency workers helped passengers escape from the damaged carriages, some of which had tilted dangerously close to a cliff after leaving the tracks. Wounded passengers were carried to safety as others walked away from the wreckage in shock.
Mexico’s president said senior government officials were heading to the crash site to oversee rescue operations and assess the situation firsthand. An official investigation has also been launched to determine what caused the derailment.
The train involved is part of the Interoceanic rail project, a key transport link connecting the Pacific port of Salina Cruz with Coatzacoalcos on the Gulf Coast. The service, which includes two locomotives and four passenger cars, is operated by Mexico’s navy.
Oaxaca’s state governor expressed deep sorrow over the tragedy and said local authorities are working closely with federal agencies to support victims and their families.
The Interoceanic rail line was launched two years ago as part of a broader effort to stimulate economic growth in southern Mexico. The project aims to modernise transport across the region and turn the area into a major trade corridor through expanded ports, railways and industrial development.
This latest tragedy, however, has cast a shadow over the ambitious initiative and raised fresh concerns about rail safety in the region.