A tragic accident in central Mexico left at least ten people dead and 61 others injured when a freight train collided with a double-decker passenger bus attempting to cross the tracks. The crash occurred in an industrial zone between Atlacomulco and Maravatio, northwest of Mexico City, leaving the front of the bus’s upper deck completely crushed and its frame twisted.
The railway operator, Canadian Pacific Kansas City de Mexico, expressed condolences to the victims’ families and urged drivers to respect railroad crossing rules to avoid future disasters. Authorities reported that seven women and three men were among the dead. Several injured passengers remain in critical condition, while others have already been released from hospitals after receiving treatment.
Dramatic images from the crash site showed emergency workers surrounding the wreckage, cordoning off the area, and transporting the wounded to nearby hospitals. First responders worked tirelessly as authorities launched investigations to determine why the bus attempted to cross in front of the moving train. Bus operator Herradura de Plata has not yet issued a statement on the incident.
Deadly bus accidents are tragically common across Latin America, where road safety remains a major challenge. Mexico alone recorded over 12,000 collisions on federal highways in 2023, which caused nearly 1,900 deaths, 6,400 injuries, and significant property damage. In February, more than 40 people were killed in southern Mexico after a bus struck a trailer truck and burst into flames.
Despite the frequency of such crashes, buses continue to be a primary mode of transportation in Mexico due to limited passenger rail services. The Mexican government has announced plans under President Claudia Sheinbaum to expand passenger rail networks across the country, aiming to improve safety and reduce road accidents. However, the latest collision highlights the urgent need for stronger safety measures and driver awareness campaigns.