March 29, 2024, 10:48 am


Int'l Correspondent

Published:
2021-05-04 18:15:11 BdST

13 killed and 70 wounded in Mexico City rail overpass collapse


Thirteen people were killed and 70 hurt when an overpass carrying Mexico City metro train cars partially collapsed onto a road on Monday night, authorities said, Reuters reports.

The accident, which happened near 10:30 p.m. local time, trapped cars under rubble and passengers in train cars hanging mid-air, video on social media and Mexico television showed. Emergency crews worked to recover those passengers.

A video on local channel Milenio TV shows the overpass collapsing on top of cars on a road below.

The accident left a preliminary toll of 13 dead and 70 injured, according to the city's Comprehensive Risk Management and Civil Protection Agency.

Alfonso Suárez del Real, secretary of Mexico City’s government, said that the injured were being taken to hospitals. Facebook groups had already begun to form lists of the injured early Tuesday.

Mexico City mayor Claudia Sheinbaum traveled to the scene of the accident and said on Twitter that "firefighters, public safety personnel are working. Various hospitals attending. We will give more information shortly."

Other videos on television stations and social media showed emergency medical crews and firefighters combing through the wreckage looking for survivors.

The accident happened on the metro’s Line 12, the construction of which has been plagued by complaints and accusations of irregularities. According to Reuters, the line was built when Foreign Minister Marcelo Ebrard was mayor of the city.

"What happened today with the Metro is a terrible tragedy. My solidarity with the victims and their families," Ebrard said on Twitter.

"The causes must be investigated and responsibilities defined. I reiterate I am at the authorities' disposal to help in whatever is necessary," he added.

In June 2020, a powerful earthquake killed at least six people, swayed buildings in Mexico's City and sent thousands fleeing into the streets.

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