13 killed, 98 injured in severe train derailment in Mexico

Authorities in Mexico have confirmed that 13 people were killed and 98 others injured in a severe train accident in the southern state of Oaxaca. The accident occurred on December 28, 2025, in the area between the cities of Chivela and Nizanda on the Interoceanic Railway line, which connects Veracruz and Salina Cruz.

The accident occurred when the train, which was traveling from the Gulf of Mexico coast to the Pacific Ocean region, derailed while taking a curve near the city of Nizanda.

At the time of the accident, a total of 250 people, including 241 passengers and 9 crew members, were on board the train. Immediately after the accident, the Mexican Navy and Army troops launched rescue operations, and 36 of the injured were hospitalized. Five of those hospitalized are reported to be in serious condition. Reports from the accident site indicate that the derailed train consisted of two engines and four passenger carriages, and it tilted into a nearby ravine after derailing.

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has expressed her sorrow over the deaths and injuries on social media and has instructed federal officials to provide necessary support to the affected families. She also mentioned that a team of high-ranking officials, including the Secretary of the Navy, has departed to inspect the accident site. Oaxaca Governor Salomón Jara Cruz also expressed deep regret over the incident, stating that state and federal agencies are working collaboratively to support the victims.

The Attorney General's Office of Mexico has launched a comprehensive investigation to determine the cause of this train derailment. This is considered one of the most severe train accidents in Mexico in recent times, re-emphasizing the need to improve safety measures across the country's expanding railway network. This train service, operated by the Mexican Navy, is part of a major infrastructure project launched in 2023 with the aim of boosting the regional economy and improving freight transportation.