Mexican train derailment kills at least 13

On Sunday, December 28, 2025, a tragic rail accident in the southern Mexican state of Oaxaca resulted in the deaths of at least 13 people. The incident involved the Interoceanic Train, which derailed near the community of Nizanda as it was traveling along a curve. According to reports from the Mexican Navy, the train was carrying a total of 250 individuals, consisting of 241 passengers and nine staff members.

The derailment left nearly 100 people injured, with official counts identifying 98 victims requiring various levels of medical attention. Among these, 36 individuals were transported to local hospitals, and President Claudia Sheinbaum confirmed via social media that five remains in critical condition. In response to the crisis, the government deployed a massive rescue operation involving 360 naval personnel, multiple ambulances, and tactical drones to locate and assist survivors.

In the wake of the disaster, Mexico's Attorney General, Ernestina Godoy Ramos, initiated a formal investigation to determine the exact cause of the crash. While an official verdict has not yet been reached, early reports and survivor testimonies have raised concerns regarding the speed of the train as it navigated the bends of the track. One locomotive reportedly fell down a seven-meter embankment, while others were left precariously tilted.

The Interoceanic Train is a flagship project of the Mexican government, designed to revitalize the Isthmus of Tehuantepec as a major global trade link. Launched in 2023, the corridor aims to connect the Pacific and Gulf coasts, providing a rail alternative to the Panama Canal. This accident has intensified scrutiny of the rapid expansion of southern Mexico's rail infrastructure, with opposition leaders calling for immediate safety audits of these high-profile public works.

President Sheinbaum has dispatched senior cabinet members to the site and announced her own travel to Oaxaca to meet with the affected families. As the investigation continues, officials have established emergency helplines to provide updates on the status of the injured and the deceased.