On August 6, 2025, a tragic train accident in Irapuato, Guanajuato, left six people dead and two others injured when a runaway locomotive operated by Ferromex collided with multiple vehicles at two railway crossings. The locomotive, identified as unit FXE 4601, had reportedly detached from its convoy during a crew change and continued moving uncontrolled through the city at high speed.
In a dramatic turn of events, the locomotive operator remained inside the train for 45 hours following the accident, refusing to exit or communicate with authorities. The train came to a halt near the outskirts of Irapuato, where law enforcement and emergency personnel maintained a perimeter while attempting to negotiate with the operator.
Finally, on the morning of August 8, the operator voluntarily exited the locomotive and surrendered to the Irapuato Municipal Police. His identity has not yet been publicly disclosed, but officials confirmed he was taken into custody for questioning regarding the circumstances that led to the detachment and subsequent crash.
The incident has sparked national outrage and calls for accountability. Ferromex, the railway company involved, stated that it is cooperating with federal investigators and reviewing the train’s black box to determine the exact cause of the malfunction. Preliminary reports suggest that the locomotive may have separated during a routine crew transition, though this remains under investigation.
Local authorities, including Mayor Lorena Alfaro GarcÃa, have demanded a full explanation from Ferromex and pledged to support the victims’ families. The tragedy has reignited concerns over railway safety protocols and the need for stricter oversight of freight operations in urban areas.
Source: Radio Formula
