Background on the Interoceanic Train and Its Importance
The Interoceanic Train, which connects Salina Cruz and Coatzacoalcos along the Z Line of the Interoceanic Corridor, suffered a derailment on the previous Sunday. The tragic incident resulted in 13 fatalities and left 98 people injured, with five of them critically wounded. A total of 241 passengers and nine crew members were on board at the time.
This train was designed to compete with other international routes and stimulate investment in the Isthmus. Its success hinges on reliability, achieved through adherence to standards, maintenance, and supervision.
Equipment Acquisition: Used Rolling Stock from the UK and US
To meet President Andrés Manuel López Obrador’s timeline for launching the train, used rolling stock was purchased from both the UK and the US.
- From the United Kingdom: Three high-speed diesel locomotives (Class 43) and eleven passenger coaches were acquired.
- From the United States: EMD SD70M locomotives and Amfleet passenger coaches were purchased.
The UK-sourced equipment ranges from 43 to 49 years old, while the US-sourced locomotives are approximately 24 years old, and passenger coaches range from 42 to 50 years old, with at least one coach being 71 years old.
Previous Incidents and Administrative Concerns
The southeastern region has experienced previous railway incidents:
- The Tren Maya has documented three incidents between March 2024 (Tixkokob) and August 2025 (Izamal), along with a cargo wagon derailment in January 2025 (Limones, Quintana Roo).
- The Interoceanic Train has accumulated eight accidents/incidents since its inauguration in September 2024 until the recent derailment.
Additionally, investigative journalism has highlighted influence networks and business dealings surrounding the Interoceanic Corridor’s procurement. The Federal Audit Office has also pointed out irregularities and questionable payments in projects related to the Z Line.
Corruption poses a direct risk to safety, as it affects the quality of materials and infrastructure.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the current situation following the Interoceanic Train derailment? Thirteen people died, and 98 were injured; five remain in critical condition. The incident occurred near Nizanda, Oaxaca.
- Why is this event significant? It raises concerns about the lack of fully verifiable safety standards for a strategic project and its potential impact on insurance costs, operational expenses, and nearshoring decisions.
- What type of rolling stock was acquired for the train? Three high-speed diesel locomotives and eleven passenger coaches were purchased from the UK, while EMD SD70M locomotives and Amfleet passenger coaches were bought from the US.
- What are the ages of the acquired rolling stock? The UK-sourced equipment ranges from 43 to 49 years old, and the US-sourced locomotives are approximately 24 years old. Passenger coaches range from 42 to 50 years old, with at least one being 71 years old.
- What previous incidents have occurred in the southeastern region? The Tren Maya has documented three incidents and one cargo wagon derailment, while the Interoceanic Train has accumulated eight accidents/incidents since its inauguration.
- What administrative concerns surround the Interoceanic Corridor project? Investigative journalism has highlighted influence networks and business dealings, while the Federal Audit Office has pointed out irregularities in related projects.
- How does corruption affect safety? Corruption directly impacts the quality of materials and infrastructure, posing a risk to safety.
