Train Accident in Mexico Leaves 13 Dead After Carriages Derail

Introduction

At least 13 people were killed and nearly 100 others were injured when a passenger train derailed on Sunday in the southern Mexican state of Oaxaca. The incident occurred on the Interoceanic Train line near the town of Nizanda while the train was travelling between Salina Cruz and Coatzacoalcos on the Isthmus of Tehuantepec railway. The derailment has paused operations on this key transport route, and authorities are working to assist the injured and investigate the cause of the accident.

train was carrying 250 people — including nine crew members and 241 passengers — when the accident took place. Emergency responders, including military, civil protection teams, and medical personnel, were quickly deployed to the scene to help victims and manage the situation.

What Happened

The derailment took place early on December 28, 2025, as the Interoceanic Train rounded a curve in the railway line close to Nizanda in the municipality of Asunción Ixtaltepec. Two locomotives and several passenger cars left the tracks, with at least one carriage falling down a steep embankment.

fficials have confirmed that 13 people died in the accident, while 98 were injured. Of those injured, five were reported to be in serious condition, and many others were treated for minor injuries. Passengers were transported to nearby hospitals, including facilities operated by the Mexican Social Security Institute (IMSS) and IMSS-Wellbeing hospitals in surrounding towns.

Immediate Response

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum announced the casualties in a post on social media, confirming that “unfortunately, 13 people lost their lives” and that government officials were sent to the accident site to support the families of the victims. She also noted that dozens of injured passengers were receiving medical care.

Oaxaca Governor Salomon Jara Cruz expressed condolences to those affected and said state agencies were working with federal partners to assist injured passengers and families of the deceased.

The Secretariat of the Navy, which oversees the Interoceanic Train operations, deployed personnel to help with rescue and recovery efforts. Civil protection units and medical teams also assisted with transporting and treating the injured.

Infrastructure Context

The Interoceanic Train is part of the Isthmus of Tehuantepec Railway, a project meant to connect the Pacific port of Salina Cruz with the Gulf Coast at Coatzacoalcos. The route is designed to serve both passengers and freight and is part of broader efforts to develop a trade corridor across southern Mexico.

The railway system was inaugurated in 2023 under a major infrastructure initiative. It aims to modernise transport links and support economic development in the region. Authorities had seen the project as a way to boost growth and provide an alternative route for trade that bypasses the Panama Canal.

Why It Happened

At this stage, authorities have not released a final determination of the cause of the derailment. The accident happened as the train negotiated a curve, and passengers later reported concerns about the train’s speed, though officials have not yet confirmed this as a cause.

Mexico’s Attorney General’s Office has opened an investigation into the incident, and investigators are expected to examine data from the train’s event recorder as well as other evidence to establish what led to the derailment.

Officials have cautioned against drawing quick conclusions until the inquiry is complete. Investigators typically look at multiple factors in such accidents, including track condition, train speed, mechanical issues, and operational procedures.

Impact on Operations and Public Services

The derailment has temporarily halted train operations along this line. The Interoceanic Train route is an important link between key regions, and the stoppage affects not only passengers but also cargo movement along this stretch of railway.

Authorities are assessing the condition of the track and rolling stock before determining when services can safely resume. In the meantime, alternate transport arrangements may be needed for travellers who rely on this line.

Public Reaction and Concerns

Families of passengers have expressed frustration and grief, calling for clear information about the cause of the accident and the fate of their loved ones. Some relatives have criticised the slow release of details and urged authorities to speed up the investigation and provide full lists of the deceased and injured.

Local residents and commuters have also voiced concerns over safety on the railway, particularly given the prominence of the infrastructure project and its role in daily transport. Many people want to know whether proper safety checks and maintenance procedures were in place before the accident occurred.

Comments from Officials

President Sheinbaum has pledged a thorough investigation to determine the cause of the accident and said that support is being provided to the families of the victims. She noted that authorities are coordinating efforts across multiple government departments to ensure that assistance reaches those affected.

The governor of Oaxaca emphasised the importance of working with federal agencies to offer help to injured passengers and to manage the aftermath of the derailment. His office issued expressions of sympathy for families and reiterated the need for a full inquiry.

Investigators from the Attorney General’s Office will lead the probe, with the goal of identifying contributing factors and recommending actions to prevent similar accidents in the future.

Broader Safety and Infrastructure Questions

The accident has renewed questions about safety standards and oversight in the development of major transport infrastructure in Mexico. The Interoceanic Train project, while intended to support economic growth and modernise transport links, is now under scrutiny to ensure that adequate safety measures were observed during construction and operation.

Critics of the broader infrastructure programme have pointed to past issues and accidents on other rail projects, calling for greater transparency, regular maintenance checks, and stronger enforcement of safety protocols. Government supporters maintain that investigation results will guide future improvements.

Looking Ahead

As the investigation continues, families of victims and the public will be waiting for clear answers about why the accident happened and what can be done to prevent such events in the future. Officials have stressed the importance of patience while investigators work through evidence and reconstruction of the scene.

Meanwhile, recovery efforts for injured passengers and support for affected families remain priorities. Health facilities are treating those with serious injuries, and government agencies are coordinating aid, counselling, and other services for those impacted by the tragedy.

Conclusion

The derailment of the Interoceanic Train in southern Mexico has led to significant loss of life and many injuries, disrupting a major transport link and prompting official investigations. While the full cause of the accident is still being examined, authorities have pledged support for victims and their families and promised a detailed inquiry. The event has highlighted the need for continued focus on safety and accountability in large infrastructure projects.