A major train derailment in southern Mexico has left at least thirteen people dead and dozens more injured, according to the country's authorities. The tragic accident occurred on Sunday, 28 December 2025, on a key rail line in the state of Oaxaca.
Details of the Derailment and Rescue Response
The passenger train came off the tracks between the towns of Chivela and Nizanda. This route is part of the vital Interoceanic line connecting the Pacific Ocean with the Gulf of Mexico. The Mexican Navy, which controls the railway, confirmed that approximately 250 people were on board at the time. This figure included 241 passengers and nine crew members.
In the immediate aftermath, a large-scale search and rescue operation was launched. The navy deployed 360 personnel, supported by 20 vehicles, four ground ambulances, three air ambulances, and a tactical drone to assist in the efforts. The scale of the response underscores the severity of the Mexico train derailment.
Casualty Figures and Official Reactions
Officials stated that, in addition to the thirteen fatalities, 98 people sustained injuries. Of these, 36 required hospital treatment. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum posted on social media platform X that five of the injured were in a critical condition.
The Mexican Navy issued a statement expressing its condolences to the families of the victims and pledged continued support for those affected. Meanwhile, Attorney General Ernestina Godoy Ramos announced that an investigation into the cause of the Oaxaca accident has been opened.
The Interoceanic Corridor Project
The train involved was part of the Interoceanic train service, launched in 2023 under former president Andrés Manuel López Obrador. It is a central component of the broader Interoceanic Corridor project, which aims to modernise rail infrastructure across the Isthmus of Tehuantepec.
This strategic initiative seeks to link the Pacific port of Salina Cruz with Coatzacoalcos on the Gulf Coast. The Mexican government has invested in the corridor with the goal of creating a competitive alternative trade route to the Panama Canal, involving significant expansion of ports, railways, and industrial parks.
The derailment represents a serious setback for this flagship infrastructure project and raises urgent questions about safety protocols on the newly upgraded line.
