At least 13 people were killed and 98 others injured after the Interoceanic Train derailed in Mexico’s southern state of Oaxaca, authorities confirmed on Sunday, prompting a large-scale emergency response and expressions of condolence from the federal government.
According to the Secretariat of the Navy, 36 of the injured passengers were hospitalised, while the remaining individuals sustained non-serious injuries and received on-site or outpatient medical treatment. Officials said rescue and relief operations began immediately after the accident to locate passengers and provide urgent assistance.
In an official statement, the Secretariat of the Navy expressed its deepest condolences to the families of those who lost their lives in the tragedy. It added that naval forces played a key role in the emergency response, deploying significant personnel and equipment to the affected area.
The secretariat reported that it mobilised 360 naval personnel, supported by 20 vehicles, four ground ambulances, three air ambulances, and a tactical drone. These resources were used for search operations, passenger location, medical evacuation, and coordination with civilian authorities. The use of aerial assets helped speed up rescue efforts in difficult terrain, officials said.
“The institution reiterates its commitment to service, working in favour of the safety and well-being of the Mexican population,” the Secretariat of the Navy stated. It further emphasised that it would continue to work closely with relevant authorities to clarify the circumstances surrounding the derailment and ensure accountability.
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum also addressed the incident in a social media post, confirming the casualty figures and outlining the government’s response. “The Secretariat of the Navy has informed me that in the Interoceanic Train accident, unfortunately, 13 people died; 98 are injured, five of them seriously,” she said.
President Sheinbaum added that the injured were being treated at multiple medical facilities, including IMSS hospitals in Matías Romero and Salina Cruz, as well as IMSS-Bienestar hospitals in Juchitán and Ixtepec. Health authorities remain on alert to provide additional care if required.
In response to the scale of the tragedy, the president said she had instructed senior officials to travel to the site of the accident to attend to the affected families personally. “I have given instructions for the Secretary of the Navy and the Undersecretary for Human Rights of the Secretariat of the Interior to go to the site and provide direct support to the families, along with IMSS and IMSS-Bienestar delegates,” she stated.
