Mexico City Metro Train Derails, Killing At Least 23, Injuring Dozens
An elevated train derailed in Mexico City after a concrete overpass it was crossing collapsed Monday night. At least 23 people were killed and dozens more were injured and transferred to nearby hospitals, according to government officials.
Updated May 4, 2021 at 8:50 AM ET
Photos posted online show two train cars dangling precariously from the elevated track. The yellow and orange cars were crushed together as the overpass collapsed, leaving them suspended at a V-shaped angle.
Given the tenuous position of the wreckage, a search for possible trapped survivors had to be suspended due to safety concerns. A crane was brought in to help stabilize the site for emergency responders.
"We don't know if they are alive," Mexico City Mayor Claudia Sheinbaum said of people who might still be trapped inside.
In a tweet, Sheinbaum said 23 people were killed. She said seven of the injured were in serious condition and undergoing surgery, according to The Associated Press. The Secretariat for Comprehensive Risk Management and Civil Protection of Mexico City tweeted a list of people hospitalized.
La Jornada newspaper reported the crash occurred at roughly 10:25 p.m.
Sheinbaum continued to update the public throughout the night and early morning following the crash. The death toll continued to rise overnight.
The derailment occurred on Line 12 of the subway system at Olivos Station, according to Mexico's civil protection agency. Shortly after the crash, Mexico City's metro service warned the public to stay away from the area.
Line 12, which runs through the city's south side and is the newest branch of the system, will remain closed as emergency responders work in the crash site, likely slowing down one of the world's busiest metro systems.
Sheinbaum said on social media that a full structural review of the entire subway line and investigation into the cause of the crash will be ordered.
The AP reports that the collapse could have repercussions for Foreign Relations Secretary Marcelo Ebrard. Line 12 was built while he was mayor of Mexico City from 2006 to 2012. After he left office, the project was criticized for poor design and construction. It was partly closed in 2013 for track repair.
On Twitter, Ebrard called the collapse a "tragedy" and said he is "entirely at the disposition of authorities to contribute in whatever way is necessary."
The city's subway system was the site of another crash in March 2020. Two trains collided, killing one man and injuring 41 people, according to the AP.
This is a developing story. Some things reported by the media may later turn out to be wrong. We will focus on reports from police officials and other authorities, credible news outlets and reporters who are at the scene, and we will update as the situation develops. [Copyright 2021 NPR]
