Background on the Incident
On Monday, a devastating collision occurred between a freight train and a two-story passenger bus in central Mexico. The accident took place on an industrial stretch of highway connecting Atlacomulco, located approximately 115 kilometers northwest of Mexico City, and Maravatio in the western state of Michoacán. According to railway officials, the bus attempted to cross the tracks as the locomotive approached.
Victims and Injuries
The tragic incident resulted in at least 10 fatalities and left 61 individuals injured. The State of Mexico’s attorney general reported that seven of the deceased were women and three were men. Nine of the injured received immediate care at the accident site without requiring hospitalization.
Response and Aftermath
Canadian Pacific Kansas City de México, the railway company involved, expressed its condolences to the victims’ families and urged drivers to respect traffic signals and stop orders at railway crossings. The bus operator, Herradura de Plata, did not respond to requests for comment.
Importance of Bus Transportation in Mexico
Buses play a crucial role in transportation within Mexico, where freight rail lines are common but passenger train routes remain limited. The government of President Claudia Sheinbaum aims to significantly expand the country’s passenger rail network, connecting many parts of northern and central Mexico.
Key Questions and Answers
- Who was involved in the accident? The collision involved a freight train operated by Canadian Pacific Kansas City de México and a two-story passenger bus from Herradura de Plata.
- How many people were killed and injured? At least 10 people lost their lives, and 61 others sustained injuries.
- What is the significance of buses in Mexico’s transportation system? Buses are a vital mode of transportation in Mexico, where passenger train routes are limited despite the prevalence of freight rail lines.
- What are the government’s plans for expanding Mexico’s passenger rail network? Under President Claudia Sheinbaum, the government intends to drastically expand Mexico’s passenger rail network to better connect various regions in the north and central parts of the country.
