Interoceanic Train Derails in Oaxaca, 13 Reported Dead

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).

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 around 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.

Oaxaca State Response

Oaxaca state authorities said security and emergency response corporations were attending the derailment between Chivela and Nizanda. The state reported the mobilization of personnel from the State Coordination of Civil Protection and Risk Management (CEPCyGR), the State Traffic Police, and ambulances to provide assistance. Authorities say they would provide updates on the condition of those involved as confirmed information became available.

In a subsequent post, Oaxaca Governor Salomón Jara listed hospitals providing care and the patient distribution reported at that time:

• 11 patients at the General Hospital of Ciudad Ixtepec
   
• 22 patients at the General Hospital of Juchitán “Dr. Macedonio Benítez Fuentes”
   
• 29 patients at the IMSS Zone Hospital of Matías Romero, including five to be moved to the General Hospital of Tehuantepec and five referred to the General Hospital of Salina Cruz

Jara adds that patient mobilization protocols remained active and that further updates would follow.

Accident occurs as CIIT Pushes Long-Term Logistics Buildout

The derailment occurred as CIIT advances a broader logistics strategy led by SEMAR to reshape freight and industrial connectivity in southern Mexico. The project’s long-term plan envisions 1,200km of rehabilitated rail, modernized ports in Coatzacoalcos, Salina Cruz, Dos Bocas, and Puerto Chiapas, and a network of industrial development poles offering tax incentives to attract investment.

Under the Institutional Program of the Interoceanic Corridor of the Isthmus of Tehuantepec (PICIIT) 2025–2030, CIIT aims to strengthen multimodal connectivity, develop higher-value manufacturing hubs, and improve policy coordination across four southern states representing a combined population of over 5 million.

CIIT has positioned the corridor as a potential alternative route for shippers seeking options beyond congested California gateways and disruptions affecting the Panama Canal. Speaking during the Mexico Business Summit 2025, Emmanuel Neri, Head of the Investment Promotion and Business Development Unit, CIIT, said the project includes 10 Development Poles along the 300-kilometer route. He added that CIIT expects Puerto Chiapas to be connected to Coatzacoalcos by the end of next year, and that Dos Bocas would be connected by mid-2027 through a new 98-kilometer stretch linking to the FA line.

Authorities have not reported the cause of the derailment. SEMAR and Oaxaca officials said updates would be provided as investigations and verified information progress.