At least 13 people died and almost 100 others suffered injuries after a passenger train derailed in Mexico’s south-western Oaxaca region, the Mexican navy said. The train was travelling across the country, linking the Gulf of Mexico with the Pacific Ocean.

At the time of the accident, the train was carrying 241 passengers and nine crew members.

Dozens injured, hospitals treat victims

According to the navy, 98 people sustained injuries in the crash. Among them, doctors admitted 36 passengers to hospitals for treatment. Meanwhile, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum said five injured passengers were in a serious condition.

She added that senior officials, including the Secretary of the Navy, were travelling to the crash site to monitor rescue and relief operations.

Train derails near Nizanda curve

Officials said the train derailed while rounding a bend near the town of Nizanda. Following the incident, Mexico’s Attorney General confirmed that authorities had launched an investigation to determine the cause of the derailment.

Photos from the scene showed rescue workers helping passengers climb out of the train. Several coaches had fallen off the tracks and tilted dangerously along the edge of a cliff, underlining the severity of the accident.

Interoceanic train and route details

The derailed service was part of the Interoceanic railway line, which connects the Pacific port of Salina Cruz with Coatzacoalcos on the Gulf Coast. The navy said the train had two locomotives and four passenger coaches.

Currently, Mexico’s navy operates the country’s railway network, including the Interoceanic train service.

State and federal authorities respond

Oaxaca Governor Salomón Jara Cruz expressed “deep regret” over the accident. In a statement, he said state authorities were coordinating closely with federal agencies to assist those affected.

At the same time, emergency teams continued rescue operations and focused on providing medical care and support to survivors and their families.

Key economic rail project under scrutiny

The government inaugurated the Interoceanic rail link two years ago to boost economic activity in southern Mexico. Former president Andrés Manuel López Obrador led the initiative.

The project aims to modernise rail connectivity across the Isthmus of Tehuantepec. As part of this plan, the government has expanded ports, railways, and industrial infrastructure to develop the region into a strategic trade corridor.

Part of broader rail expansion push

Finally, the train service forms part of Mexico’s wider effort to expand passenger and freight rail services in the south. Through this initiative, the government seeks to improve connectivity and drive long-term economic development in the region.

Authorities are expected to share more details as the investigation continues.