Mexico: Eight killed, 45 injured as train crashes into double-decker bus

A freight train crashed into a double-decker bus in Mexico early Monday, leaving at least eight people dead and 45 others injured, according to authorities.

The collision happened in an industrial area filled with warehouses and factories in the town of Atlacomulco, about 80 miles northwest of Mexico City.

According to CBS News, the state of Mexico’s civil defense agency said via X that emergency officials were still working at the site of the accident.

The bus, operated by the Herradura de Plata line, was torn apart by the impact. The company did not immediately respond to The Associated Press’ request for comment.

City officials in Atlacomulco urged residents to stay away from the scene and expressed condolences to the bereaved families. A statement posted on social media read, “We express our sincere solidarity to the families affected at this time.”

Authorities have not given details on the cause of the crash. A video circulating on social media showed the bus moving slowly across the train tracks in heavy traffic when the speeding train suddenly struck it at the midpoint, dragging it down the tracks.

The footage suggested there were no crossing gates or warning signals. Cars had been crossing the tracks just before the bus drove onto them, while traffic coming from the opposite side had stopped. A motorcycle crossed seconds before the train hit, slamming into the passenger side of the bus.

Another video showed the bus later resting beside the tracks, its roof torn off, as people moved around the wreckage. A woman’s voice could be heard crying, “Help me, help me.”

Canadian Pacific Kansas City of Mexico, the train operator, confirmed the accident and extended condolences to the victims’ families. 

The Calgary-based company said its personnel were on the ground and cooperating with authorities.