In a tragic incident on Sunday, the Interoceanic Train, which serves as a crucial rail connection between the Pacific Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico, derailed near the town of Nizanda, located between the Mexican states of Oaxaca and Veracruz. The accident took place as the train negotiated a curve, resulting in severe disruption of rail services along this essential transportation route.
President Claudia Sheinbaum reported the gravity of the situation, confirming that 13 individuals lost their lives due to the derailment, while 98 others sustained injuries. Of those injured, five are reported to be in serious condition, highlighting the critical nature of some cases. The statement was disseminated via the social media platform X, as part of the official communication regarding the crisis.
The President further communicated that instructions have been issued for immediate deployment of top government officials to the accident site. Specifically, she directed the Secretary of the Navy (Secretaría de Marina) and the Undersecretary for Human Rights at the Ministry of the Interior (Secretaría de Gobernación) to travel directly to Nizanda. Their role is to personally oversee aid efforts and provide support to the families affected by the tragedy, ensuring that governmental assistance is efficient and compassionate.
This derailment underscores vulnerabilities in transportation infrastructure and emergency readiness along this interoceanic corridor. The interruption of service may have ramifications on logistics and commerce between the Pacific and Gulf coasts, impacting sectors reliant on this rail link.
Authorities and healthcare providers face the immediate challenge of managing the medical care of nearly 100 injured passengers, a task requiring coordinated efforts across emergency response teams and hospitals in the region.