MEXICO — At least 13 people were killed and 98 others injured after a passenger train derailed in southern Mexico on Sunday, December 28, according to reports from the Associated Press. The deadly accident occurred in the state of Oaxaca as the train was traveling along the Interoceanic Corridor, a flagship infrastructure project designed to link the Pacific Ocean with the Gulf of Mexico and boost regional trade and development.

Authorities said the train veered off the tracks while navigating a curve, causing several coaches to tilt and derail. More than 200 passengers were reportedly on board at the time of the incident, turning what was meant to be a symbol of progress into a scene of devastation. Emergency responders, including rescue teams, military units, and medical personnel, were immediately dispatched to the site. The injured were rushed to nearby hospitals, with several victims reported to be in critical condition.

The Mexican government has confirmed that a full investigation is underway to determine the exact cause of the derailment. Officials have also expressed their condolences to the families of those who lost their lives, as the nation mourns yet another transportation-related tragedy. Beyond the immediate loss of life, the incident raises serious questions about safety oversight in large-scale infrastructure projects. While the Interoceanic Corridor represents economic ambition and national development, this tragedy highlights the critical need for rigorous safety standards, regular maintenance, and transparent accountability. Progress should never come at the cost of human lives. As Mexico pushes forward with modernization, this accident serves as a sobering reminder that infrastructure success must be measured not only by speed and connectivity, but by the safety and protection of the people it serves. (Larawan: Nexta_tv / X)