The machinist and conductor operating a Tren Interoceánico locomotive that collided with a trailer truck on Dec. 7 did not have valid railroad operating licenses at the time of the accident, according to local media. The accident left 14 people dead and 98 injured.
The Federal Railroad Transportation Agency (AFTF) confirmed that neither worker possessed the required certification to operate the train on the Interoceanic Railway route, where the fatal collision occurred at a highway crossing.
The revelation adds scrutiny to Mexico’s interoceanic rail project, which has faced questions over safety protocols since passenger service was relaunched in recent years on the historic line connecting the Pacific and Gulf coasts.
Safety Oversight Under Question
Mexican law requires all train operators to hold valid licenses issued by the AFTF, which oversees railroad safety and certification nationwide. The licensing process includes technical training, medical evaluations, and demonstrated competency in railroad operations.
While investigations continue into the circumstances of the crash, the lack of proper licensing raises questions about training standards and oversight for the railway project, which operates across the Isthmus of Tehuantepec.
Historic Railway Line
The Tren Interoceánico runs along a historic route connecting Coatzacoalcos, Veracruz, on the Gulf of Mexico, with Salina Cruz, Oaxaca, on the Pacific coast. The railway crosses the narrowest part of Mexico, offering an alternative to the Panama Canal for cargo movement.
The Mexican government revitalized the line as part of infrastructure modernization efforts, adding both freight and passenger service to the corridor. The route spans approximately 186 miles (300 km) across the Isthmus of Tehuantepec.
Critics have questioned whether safety measures have kept pace with the railway’s expanded operations. The project’s operator has defended its training programs and safety protocols.
The December accident was not isolated. Several collisions with vehicles at grade crossings have occurred on Mexican rail lines, though most resulted in property damage rather than fatalities.
Transportation experts note that grade crossing safety remains a critical challenge for railroad operations worldwide, particularly in areas where highways and rail lines intersect without protective barriers or advanced warning systems.
Federal Investigation Ongoing
Mexico’s Attorney General’s Office continues investigating the December crash to determine whether criminal negligence played a role. The licensing revelation could influence potential charges against railway operators or supervisors responsible for crew certification.
The AFTF has not publicly commented on how the unlicensed operators were cleared to work or what disciplinary measures may follow. The railway operator has also declined to address the licensing issue.
The incident highlights concerns about regulatory oversight as Mexico expands its rail infrastructure. The country’s freight rail network has operated for over a century, but passenger service expansions require renewed attention to safety standards and crew training.
Sources: Diario de Yucatán, Mexican Federal Railroad Transportation Agency, Attorney General’s Office reports