At least 13 people died and 98 were injured after the derailment of the Trem Interoceânico in the region of Nizanda, in the state of close to the town of Nizanda, in the municipality of Asunción Ixtaltepec. Autoridades immediately mobilized rescue teams, including military and civil protection, to assist those affected in the remote location.
The accident involved two locomotives and four passenger cars. The main locomotive derailed, causing wagons to fall into an embankment approximately 6.5 meters deep. Cinco of the injured were seriously ill and were transferred to IMSS hospitals in Matías Romero and Salina Cruz, in addition to IMSS-Bienestar units.
- The train departed from Salina Cruz, at Pacífico, bound for Coatzacoalcos, at Golfo of México.
- Teams from Marinha, responsible for operating the line, coordinated the relief with state support.
- At least 139 people were unharmed or with minor injuries.
Rescue operations
Rescue teams acted quickly at the accident site, isolated and difficult to access in a rural area of Oaxaca. Centenas of soldiers from Marinha and Exército, as well as members of Proteção Civil, were deployed to remove passengers from the overturned carriages. Care prioritized the most seriously injured, with immediate transfer to nearby hospital units.
President Claudia Sheinbaum ordered the sending of the secretary of Marinha and the undersecretary of Direitos Humanos of Secretaria of The governor of Oaxaca, Salomón Jara Cruz, coordinated state actions together with federal agencies to provide comprehensive assistance.
Investigation underway
The Procuradoria-General of the República opened an investigation to determine the causes of the derailment. Especialistas will analyze factors such as train speed, track conditions and possible mechanical failures. Agência Reguladora of Transporte Ferroviário will participate in the examination, including examination of the locomotive’s black box.
This is the second incident on the Corredor Interoceânico network in less than a month, following a vehicle collision in December. Autoridades emphasized the need to clarify the facts rigorously to ensure the safety of railway operations.
🚂🇲🇽 TRAIN DERAILING IN MEXICO KILLS 13
— jonataribas (@jonataribastv)December 29, 2025
13 dead and 98 injured after the Trem Interoceânico derailed on the México. The accident occurred recently.pic.twitter.com/sfHwdlvxm5
Railway project context
The Trem Interoceânico integrates the Corredor Interoceânico of the Istmo of the Tehuantepec, opened in 2023 as an initiative to connect the oceans Pacífico and Atlântico. The Linha Z, the main passenger and freight route, covers around 300 kilometers between Salina Cruz and Coatzacoalcos. The project aims to encourage economic development in the south of México and offer an alternative to Canal of Panamá for transporting goods.
The line operates under the administration of the Mexican Marinha, focusing on modernizing railway infrastructure. Apesar of previous incidents without fatalities, the December 28 accident marks the most serious since the activation of passenger service.
Accident details
The derailment occurred at 9:28 am local time, on a stretch known for sharp curves and steep slopes. Sobreviventes reported that the train appeared to be moving at a high speed as it approached the curve. One carriage toppled completely, while another was suspended at a dangerous angle.
- 36 injured people received immediate hospital treatment.
- The others had minor injuries and were treated at the scene.
- No additional victims were recorded after the initial assessment.
- Line operation was suspended in the affected section to recover the tracks.
Government measures
The federal government mobilized resources to support the victims’ families, including psychological and logistical assistance. President Sheinbaum reinforced her commitment to transparent updates on the case. Autoridades states of Oaxaca declared total priority to care for those affected.
Teams remain on site to remove the wagons and restore the track. The investigation continues with the collection of technical evidence in the area of the accident.
Timeline of events
The train started its journey at Salina Cruz at 8am local time on December 28th. The derailment occurred an hour later, triggering an immediate alert to the authorities.
Rescuers arrived within minutes, beginning to evacuate passengers. Balanço preliminary Marinha confirmed the fatalities and injuries at the end of the afternoon. The president and governor issued official statements, ensuring full coordination of actions.
