13 dead, 98 injured as Interoceanic train derails in Mexico

No fewer than 13 people lost their lives and 98 others were injured following the derailment of the Interoceanic Train in Oaxaca, southern Mexico, authorities confirmed on Sunday.

According to the Secretariat of the Navy (Semar), 36 of the injured were admitted to hospitals, while the remaining passengers sustained minor injuries.

The agency extended its heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased.

Semar said it deployed 360 naval personnel, 20 vehicles, four ground ambulances, three air ambulances, and a tactical drone to assist in search and rescue operations, as well as to locate passengers affected by the derailment.

“The institution reiterates its commitment to service, working in favour of the safety and well-being of the Mexican population, and will continue to collaborate in a coordinated manner with the competent authorities to clarify the facts,” the Navy stated.

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum provided an update on the incident via social media, saying: “The Secretariat of the Navy has informed me that in the Interoceanic Train accident, unfortunately 13 people died; 98 are injured, five of them seriously.

“The injured are being treated at IMSS hospitals in Matias Romero and Salina Cruz, as well as at IMSS-Bienestar hospitals in Juchitan and Ixtepec.”

Sheinbaum added that she had instructed both the Secretary of the Navy and the Undersecretary for Human Rights of the Secretariat of the Interior to travel to the site to personally support the families, alongside
representatives from IMSS and IMSS-Bienestar.

“The Secretary of the Interior will coordinate the response efforts. I appreciate the support of the governor of Oaxaca and his team. We will continue to provide updates,” the President added.