At least 13 people were killed and nearly 100 others injured after a passenger train derailed in southern Mexico, authorities said, marking one of the deadliest rail accidents in the country in recent years.
The crash occurred in the southeastern state of Oaxaca as the train was travelling along the Interoceanic railway route, which links Mexico’s Gulf Coast with the Pacific Ocean. According to the Mexican Navy, which operates the national rail network, the train was carrying 241 passengers along with nine crew members at the time of the incident.
Officials said the derailment happened as the train rounded a curve near the town of Nizanda. Several carriages left the tracks, with parts of the train tilting dangerously near a cliffside. Emergency teams were quickly dispatched to the area, which is known for its rugged terrain and limited road access.
The navy confirmed that 98 people were injured in the crash. Of those, 36 were taken to hospitals for treatment, while others received medical care at the scene. Authorities said that five passengers were in serious condition, though no further details were provided about the nature of their injuries.
Mexico’s Attorney General’s Office has opened a formal investigation to determine the cause of the derailment. Officials said they are examining whether technical issues, track conditions, or other factors may have contributed to the accident. Investigators are also reviewing operational procedures and maintenance records related to the train and the rail line.
President Claudia Sheinbaum expressed her condolences to the families of those who lost their lives and said the federal government was fully mobilised to support rescue and recovery efforts. She confirmed that senior officials, including the Secretary of the Navy, were travelling to the crash site to oversee the response and assess the situation firsthand.
Images shared by authorities and local media showed rescue workers assisting passengers as they climbed out of damaged carriages. Some sections of the train appeared to have slipped off the tracks, while others remained partially upright. Emergency personnel worked to stabilise the area and ensure that all passengers were accounted for.
The train involved in the accident was part of the Interoceanic Corridor project, a key infrastructure initiative designed to connect the Pacific port of Salina Cruz in Oaxaca with Coatzacoalcos on the Gulf Coast. The service is operated by the Mexican Navy and consisted of two locomotives and four passenger cars, according to officials.
Oaxaca Governor Salomón Jara Cruz said state authorities were working closely with federal agencies to provide medical assistance and support to victims and their families. In a statement, he expressed deep regret over the tragedy and pledged full cooperation with the investigation.
The Interoceanic rail line was inaugurated two years ago as part of a broader strategy to stimulate economic development in southern Mexico. The project aims to modernise transportation across the Isthmus of Tehuantepec and create an alternative trade route between the Atlantic and Pacific oceans.
The initiative was launched under former president Andrés Manuel López Obrador and includes expanded ports, rail infrastructure, and industrial development zones. In addition to freight transport, the project has also introduced passenger rail services intended to improve regional connectivity and boost tourism.
The accident has raised questions about rail safety and infrastructure oversight as Mexico expands its passenger and freight rail networks. While officials have not indicated whether services along the Interoceanic route will be suspended, authorities said safety inspections are likely to be intensified as the investigation continues.
As rescue operations conclude and the focus shifts to accountability, officials said updates would be provided as more information becomes available. For now, the incident stands as a major setback for a flagship infrastructure project and a reminder of the importance of safety as Mexico pursues large-scale transport development.