IMSS Activates Emergency Care After Interoceanic Train Accident

Mexico’s social security system activated emergency and contingency protocols following the accident involving the Interoceanic Train, providing medical care to all injured passengers, reports Zoé Robledo, Director General, Mexican Social Security Institute (IMSS).

Speaking during the morning press conference, Robledo reported via remote link from Ixtepec, Oaxaca, that medical response measures were implemented immediately after the first incident report. He said regional medical units were placed on alert to ensure timely care and patient transfers.

Due to its proximity to the accident site, the Rural Hospital of Matías Romero received 33 patients. Of those, 14 were discharged after showing improvement, four remain hospitalized, and the rest were transferred to other medical facilities within the health system.

Robledo said that, following federal instructions, he visited Hospital General de Zona No. 2 in Salina Cruz, where many injured patients are being treated. Sixteen patients remain hospitalized at that IMSS facility, including five with fractures who are scheduled for surgery. Other patients are being treated for injuries such as blows and contusions.

He added that IMSS has provided support to the families of hospitalized patients, including food and lodging. Robledo said no patient is currently at risk of losing their life. He noted that injured individuals are receiving care across different public health institutions, with a significant concentration at the IMSS hospital in Salina Cruz.

Robledo added that care is being coordinated with the Institute for Social Security and Services for State Workers (ISSSTE). After contacting Martí Batres, Director General, ISSSTE, Robledo reported that seven patients hospitalized at ISSSTE’s Tehuantepec hospital remain under medical supervision.

Interoceanic Train Accident

A passenger train operating on the Isthmus of Tehuantepec Railway’s Line Z derailed Sunday near the community of Nizanda, Oaxaca, prompting a multi-agency emergency response led by the Mexican Navy (SEMAR) through the Interoceanic Corridor of the Isthmus of Tehuantepec (CIIT), reports MBN. 

In its first official statement, issued on Dec. 28, SEMAR reported a rail accident “at the height of Nizanda” on Line Z, with nine crew members and 241 passengers traveling aboard two locomotives and four railcars. The Navy said the main locomotive derailed and that, at that time, 20 people were reported injured and were being transferred to local hospitals for medical care.

SEMAR added that it deployed five ground ambulances, an air ambulance, and about 40 naval health personnel, while rescue operations were coordinated with authorities across the three levels of government to assist people who fell down an about 7m embankment. The Navy also said it was coordinating with the Ministry of Infrastructure, Communications, and Transport (SICT) and the rail transport regulator to determine the causes and implement the actions needed to restore operability of the rail line, prioritizing safety for people, infrastructure, and the surrounding area.

Later the same day, SEMAR issued an updated statement expanding the reported impact. The Navy said the train was traveling on the Salina Cruz–Coatzacoalcos route and carried 250 people. According to this update, 139 people were out of danger, 98 were injured, 36 of whom were receiving hospital care, while the remaining injured were reported without serious injuries. The Navy added that 13 people lost their lives.

SEMAR said its personnel carried out search and location actions and deployed 360 naval elements, 20 vehicles, four ground ambulances, three air ambulances, and a tactical drone. The Navy expressed condolences to families of those who died and said it would continue collaborating with competent authorities to clarify the events.