Emergency crews search for survivors after an elevated subway track collapsed in Mexico City on May 3, 2021. (Hector Vivas/Getty Images)
A serious train casualty occurred in Mexico on Monday night (May 3). According to Reuters, an elevated rail overpass collapsed on a busy road in Mexico City. The accident has killed at least 23 people and injured 70 others, 65 of whom must be hospitalized.
Authorities said the train was traveling on Mexico City’s newest subway line, Line 12 (also known as the Gold Line), when the elevated bridge collapsed.
Mexico City Mayor Claudia Sheinbaum said 23 people are now confirmed dead, the update said. She arrived at the accident site earlier to coordinate search and rescue operations.
At one point after the accident, rescuers used a long ladder to try to enter the carriage to search for the victims. However, shortly afterwards, authorities decided to suspend rescue efforts due to concerns that the bridge and carriage might continue to collapse.
Emergency crews search for survivors after an elevated subway track collapsed in Mexico City, May 3, 2021. (Hector Vivas/Getty Images)
Footage from local media outlet Milenio TV shows the elevated track collapsing on vehicles near Olivos station at around 10:30 p.m. local time, sending up a massive plume of smoke and dust. At least two carriages could be seen on the footage still hanging from the damaged track.
Simbaum said rescue efforts have been suspended because the train is so vulnerable. She said a crane is being rushed to the scene to stabilize the train cars so rescuers can continue their work. One other car is still trapped in the rubble of the collapse.
At least 20 people died and dozens were injured when an elevated subway track collapsed in Mexico City on May 3, 2021. One car is still trapped in the rubble of the collapse. (PEDRO PARDO/AFP via Getty Images)
Simbaum said seven of those taken to the hospital were in “serious condition” and were undergoing surgery. In all, she said earlier, about 70 people were injured.
Speaking to reporters at the scene of the accident, Simbaum said it appeared that one of the girders on the overpass had shifted, but the cause of the accident was under investigation.
An aerial view of the accident site is shown on May 3, 2021, when the elevated track of the Mexico City subway collapsed. (PEDRO PARDO/AFP via Getty Images)
Reuters noted that Metro Line 12 was built nearly a decade ago, when Mexico City’s mayor was Marcelo Ebrard, the current Mexican foreign minister.
What happened on the subway today is a terrible tragedy,” Ebrard wrote on Twitter. I stand in solidarity with the victims and their families.”
“Of course, the cause of the accident must be investigated and responsibility determined.” He said.
Many political observers believe that both Ebrard and Simbaum are considered possible successors once the current president’s term ends in 2024.
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