On December 20, 2025, the recently inaugurated Tren Interoceánico collided with a trailer in Chiapas, leaving 148 passengers unharmed but causing significant disruption to service.
The Interoceanic Railway of the Isthmus of Tehuantepec (Tren Interoceanico del Istmo de Tehuantepec), was inaugurated in stages, with Line Z (Coatzacoalcos-Salina Cruz) for freight and passengers opening in December 2023 as the main opening, and other lines such as FA and K were enabled later, with the inauguration of Line K (Oaxaca-Chiapas) on November 2025 to consolidate total connectivity.
On Saturday, December 20, 2025, a passenger train of the Tren Interoceánico was involved in a collision with a trailer in the municipality of Pichucalco, Chiapas, along the Coatzacoalcos–Pakal Ná route. The incident occurred in the community of Cardona when a heavy vehicle attempted to cross the tracks without yielding to the train’s right of way.
The train was carrying 148 passengers, all of whom escaped without injury. Authorities confirmed that only the trailer’s driver sustained minor injuries. The collision caused damage to the train’s front locomotive and the trailer, forcing a temporary suspension of service while emergency protocols were activated. Replacement buses and another train were dispatched to transport stranded passengers to their destinations.
According to officials, the accident was triggered when the trailer, reportedly carrying asphalt, tried to beat the train at a level crossing. The impact highlighted ongoing safety concerns about railway crossings in rural areas, where vehicles often attempt to cross despite warning signals.
The Corredor Interoceánico del Istmo de Tehuantepec, which operates the line, immediately launched a contingency plan to secure passengers and restore operations. Local emergency services, including police and medical teams, arrived quickly to manage the situation and clear the tracks. Service was later resumed after the damaged train was removed.
This accident underscores the challenges faced by Mexico’s ambitious rail projects, which aim to boost connectivity across southern states. While no lives were lost, the incident has renewed calls for stricter enforcement of traffic rules at railway crossings to prevent future collisions.
Source: El Financiero
