A collision between a freight train and a double-decker bus occurred early Monday in an industrial area near Mexico City, resulting in at least 10 fatalities and 55 injuries, according to authorities. The tragic incident took place in Atlacomulco, approximately 130 kilometers northwest of Mexico City, known for its warehouses and factories.
The bus, belonging to the Herradura de Plata line, was torn apart by the impact, with 10 individuals losing their lives and 55 sustaining injuries, as per official reports. The injured were promptly transported to various hospitals in the state for medical attention. Despite requests for comments, the bus company did not provide an immediate response.
The train involved in the accident belongs to Canadian Pacific Kansas City of Mexico, a subsidiary of Canadian Pacific Kansas City (CPKC) based in Calgary, operating rail networks across Canada, the U.S., and Mexico. The company confirmed the incident, expressing condolences to the victims’ families, and stated that their staff were cooperating with authorities on-site.
Although details on the cause of the collision were not immediately disclosed by officials, eyewitnesses shared a video on social media depicting the bus slowly crossing the tracks during heavy traffic when it was abruptly struck by the fast-moving train. The bus was forcibly moved down the tracks due to the train’s momentum, resulting in a severe split between the front and rear sections of the bus.
Concerns were raised about the absence of visible crossing gates or stop lights at the scene, with witnesses noting that vehicles continued to cross the tracks just before the crash. A distressing video captured the aftermath of the collision, showing the bus passengers seeking help as the train came to a halt beside the tracks.
Rebeca Miranda, a witness to the tragedy, awaited updates from authorities regarding the victims’ remains, as her family members were on the bus during the incident. She emphasized the avoidable nature of the collision, expressing sorrow over the loss of lives due to the reckless attempt to outpace the train.
According to the latest report from Mexico’s Rail Transportation Regulating Agency, grade-level crossing accidents have been on the rise, with 800 incidents reported last year compared to 602 in 2020. Recent history includes a fatal train collision in Guanajuato state last month and a tragic incident in 2019 when a freight train collided with a passenger bus in Queretaro state, claiming the lives of nine individuals.