Train Derailment in Oaxaca,Mexico Kills at Least 13, Injures Dozens

Train Derailment in Oaxaca,Mexico Kills at Least 13, Injures Dozens.

Deadly Crash on Interoceanic Train in Southern Mexico

OAXACA, Mexico — A passenger train carrying roughly 250 people derailed in the southern state of Oaxaca on Sunday, December 28, 2025, killing at least 13 people and injuring nearly 100 others, officials confirmed. The accident occurred near the town of Nizanda on the Interoceanic Train’s Line Z, which runs between Salina Cruz and Coatzacoalcos. Mexican authorities, including the Secretariat of the Navy (SEMAR), responded to the scene amid challenging terrain.

The train’s main locomotive and several cars left the rails while navigating a curve, causing one carriage to fall down a steep embankment. Numerous passengers were thrown from the train and scattered along the track area, complicating early rescue efforts. Federal emergency teams deployed ambulances, naval personnel, and drones to assist survivors and coordinate medical transport.

Casualties, Injuries, and Ongoing Rescue Work

Initial reports from Mexico’s Navy confirmed that at least 13 people died in the derailment, and 98 others were injured, including dozens who were taken to nearby hospitals for treatment. Authorities noted that while many injuries were less severe, several patients remained in serious condition as of the most recent updates. Search and rescue efforts continued into the night on Sunday as emergency personnel combed the crash site for additional survivors and victims.

Officials also confirmed that about 139 people on board were uninjured and that the total number of passengers and crew included nine crew members along with ordinary travelers. In the wake of the accident, rail traffic in the affected region was temporarily suspended as investigators worked to secure the location and collect evidence for the official inquiry.

Government Response and Investigation

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum expressed condolences to the families of those killed and pledged federal support for recovery and medical care for the injured. She detailed that various government agencies were coordinating relief efforts and that additional resources were being mobilized to assist those affected by the tragedy.

Local and federal authorities have opened an investigation into the cause of the derailment, with particular attention on whether track conditions, train speed, or mechanical failures contributed to the accident. Plans were underway to analyze the train’s data recorder and interview survivors to piece together the sequence of events leading up to the crash.

Impact and Regional Safety Concerns

The derailment has prompted scrutiny of Mexico’s expanding rail infrastructure projects and concerns about safety protocols on lines that serve both freight and passenger traffic. Emergency response teams worked under difficult conditions to stabilize the site and move victims to medical facilities in nearby cities.

Federal officials emphasized that efforts to support families of victims and injured passengers would continue, including ongoing coordination with hospitals and local authorities. As the investigation progresses, additional details about the causes and implications of the derailment are expected to emerge.