A devastating train-bus collision near Mexico City has left at least 10 people dead and over 40 injured, leaving a community in mourning and raising serious questions about railway safety. The accident occurred early Monday morning in Atlacomulco, approximately 80 miles northwest of the capital, in an industrial zone characterized by warehouses and factories.
A freight train operated by Canadian Pacific Kansas City of Mexico struck a double-decker bus from the Herradura de Plata line at a level crossing. The impact was catastrophic, tearing the bus apart. Eyewitness accounts and videos circulating on social media depict the bus slowly crossing the tracks amidst other traffic when the train, traveling at high speed, collided with the passenger side. The absence of visible crossing gates or signals in the videos has sparked intense debate regarding the accident's contributing factors.
The state of Mexico's civil defense agency confirmed the casualty figures and stated that rescue operations continued at the site. The state prosecutor's office has launched a formal investigation into the circumstances surrounding the collision. Injured individuals were transported to hospitals across the state.
Canadian Pacific Kansas City of Mexico acknowledged the incident, extending their condolences to the bereaved families and assuring their cooperation with the authorities. The bus company, Herradura de Plata, has yet to issue a public statement.
Rebeca Miranda, a woman whose sister and niece were on the bus, shared a heartbreaking account. Her sister survived but sustained injuries, while her niece tragically perished. Miranda expressed her grief and anger, questioning why the bus attempted to cross the tracks in the path of the oncoming train. Her words highlight the profound human cost of this preventable tragedy.
This incident underscores a concerning trend. According to the most recent report from Mexico's Rail Transportation Regulating Agency, accidents at grade-level crossings are increasing. The report from September noted a rise in such accidents from 602 in 2020 to 800 in 2024, although the number of casualties wasn't specified. Previous accidents of a similar nature, resulting in multiple fatalities, have occurred in recent years across various Mexican states. This recent tragedy reinforces the urgent need for comprehensive safety improvements at railway crossings throughout Mexico.
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Originally published at: https://apnews.com/article/train-bus-crash-deadly-mexico-city-5576772165c16fd1f2c35460845a81e8
