Oaxaca, Mexico — A tragic derailment involving the Interoceanic Train resulted in the deaths of thirteen individuals and injuries to 98 others on December 28, 2025, as the train navigated a curve near the town of Nizanda in the southern state of Oaxaca. With 250 passengers aboard, the incident marked a severe disruption in a major interoceanic rail route that plays a critical role in connecting the Gulf of Mexico with the Pacific Ocean.
The derailment occurred approximately five kilometers south of Nizanda in the municipality of Asuncion Ixtaltepec. Among the injured, five were reported to be in critical condition, struggling for their lives. The Mexican Navy swiftly responded to the accident, with reports indicating that challenging terrain somewhat hampered the rescue operations. On-site images revealed the severity of the crash, with one carriage overturned and another completely detached from the rails.
In the wake of the disaster, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum acted promptly, directing the Secretary of the Navy to provide immediate assistance to the affected families and oversee the rescue efforts. The Ministry of Interior took charge of coordinating the national response to the tragic event.
Local authorities and passengers provided firsthand accounts of the moments leading up to the derailment. One passenger recounted the rapid speed of the train just before the accident, while witnesses described emergency services’ struggles to access the remote crash site.
Governor Salomon Jara Cruz of Oaxaca extended his deepest condolences to the families mourning their loved ones, further emphasizing the state’s commitment to supporting all victims in navigating this devastating time. To clarify the root cause of the derailment, Mexico’s Attorney General’s Office has launched a thorough investigation.
Introduced in 2023 under the administration of then-President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, the Interoceanic Train line represents a significant infrastructure endeavor aimed at spurring economic development across southeast Mexico. Spanning a strategic corridor across the Isthmus of Tehuantepec, this railway is vital for enhancing trade connections between Salina Cruz on the Pacific side and Coatzacoalcos on the Gulf Coast.
The underlying ambition of the rail project is to establish a trade route capable of competing with the Panama Canal. This vision encompasses major expansions in port capacities, railway systems, and industrial facilities across the region. However, the journey has not been without its challenges; a prior incident on December 20 involved a collision between a train and a cargo truck on the same route, thankfully without fatalities.
The Mexican Navy, tasked with the oversight of this pivotal railway line, continues to manage both freight and passenger movements across this essential landbridge that links the two coasts of the country.
With the investigation ongoing, authorities are focused on piecing together the sequence of events leading to the derailment and assessing any needed improvements to avoid future tragedies on this important but now scrutinized rail corridor.