Mexico Interoceanic Train Derailment Near Nizanda Kills 13, Injures 98
On 28 December 2025, the Interoceanic Train derailed near Nizanda, Oaxaca, resulting in at least 13 deaths and 98 injuries, with five people critically injured. Approximately 250 passengers were aboard at the time of the incident. The Interoceanic Train is part of the Interoceanic Corridor project, designed to link the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans via the Isthmus of Tehuantepec as an alternative cargo route to the Panama Canal.
President Claudia Sheinbaum stated that she planned to travel to Oaxaca to meet affected passengers and investigate the cause of the derailment. The Interoceanic Train and the Mayan Train are flagship infrastructure projects overseen by the Mexican military and were rapidly constructed, raising safety concerns.
This derailment marks the third incident involving the Interoceanic Train this year, following an earlier rail-truck collision in the same month. The Mayan Train has also experienced two non-fatal derailments to date. Opposition PRI leader Alejandro Moreno called for a pause and a comprehensive audit of all such projects. In response, Sheinbaum defended the safety of the projects and reaffirmed responsibility.
The latest accident is expected to revive criticisms concerning the speed and manner in which these public works were pursued under the administrations of Andrés Manuel López Obrador (AMLO) and his predecessor, bringing oversight and safety issues into question.
