Credited from: LEMONDE
In a tragic event on Monday, a freight train collided with a double-decker bus in Atlacomulco, Mexico, resulting in at least 10 fatalities and over 60 injuries. The collision occurred as the bus attempted to cross the tracks in heavy traffic, leading it directly into the path of the rapidly approaching train, which hit the bus amid dense congestion in an industrial area near Mexico City, according to India Times, CBS News, and South China Morning Post.
Eyewitness reports and videos indicate that there were no visible crossing gates or signals at the site, allowing the bus to proceed onto the tracks. The train struck the bus, resulting in severe destruction, with segments of the top deck ripped away and passengers trapped inside, as detailed by Reuters, Reuters, and Al Jazeera.
The investigation into the collision is ongoing, spearheaded by the State of Mexico's attorney general’s office, which has confirmed the deaths of seven women and three men. Statements from local officials and the train operator, Canadian Pacific Kansas City of Mexico, expressed condolences and emphasized the need for improved safety measures at railway crossings, as reported by Le Monde and TRT Global.
This tragic incident has raised concerns about railway safety in Mexico, where train-vehicle collisions are reportedly on the rise. Incidents like this highlight the urgency for enhanced safety protocols at grade crossings, as witnessed in this catastrophic event, according to BBC.