Train Derailment in Oaxaca Kills at Least 13, Raises Safety Concerns on Mexico's Interoceanic Train
On 28 December 2025, a derailment of the Interoceanic Train near Nizanda, Oaxaca, resulted in at least 13 deaths and injured 98 of approximately 250 passengers. Among the injured, five were reported to be in critical condition. President Claudia Sheinbaum announced she would travel to Oaxaca to meet with victims and clarify the cause of the accident, emphasizing that the train operated under safety requirements.
The Interoceanic Train links the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans across the Isthmus of Tehuantepec, providing a cargo route alternative to the Panama Canal intended to spur regional development. Along with the Mayan Train, both projects were rapidly constructed under timelines overseen by the Mexican military, leading to safety concerns due to the speed and supervision of the constructions.
This derailment marks the third incident involving the Interoceanic Train in 2025, after a truck collision at a crossing earlier in the month. The Mayan Train also experienced two non-fatal derailments. Alejandro Moreno, leader of the PRI party, called for a pause on construction and operation of such projects until a full audit is conducted.
These projects were flagship initiatives of former president Andrés Manuel López Obrador (AMLO), with President Sheinbaum's term following AMLO’s administration.
