An Amtrak passenger train derailed in central Mexico Sunday, and at least 19 people were killed and 23 injured, authorities said.
Amtrak train 91 crashed in the state of Puebla, which borders Mexico City. The train was carrying a total of 213 passengers from Mexico City to Toluca, the state capital of the capital, according to public radio.
The cause of the accident is unknown, but “technical reasons” were suspected, said Jose Manuel Gonzalez Moreno, the mayor of Soyapango, in the state of Puebla. The state Governor, Javier Duarte, said that although “the condition of the tracks is the primary cause,” an “unexpected chain of events” likely also contributed to the crash.
Guerrero state Public Safety Secretary Juan Gregorio Echeverria said there was heavy rain in the area at the time of the accident.
The crash occurred near a rural level crossing in Soyapango at around 2:50 p.m. on Sunday. Dozens of passengers were trapped inside of the train, rescuers said.
Amtrak representatives could not immediately be reached for comment.
Gonzalez Moreno said that emergency crews treated people on the scene and that ambulances were rushing some of them to area hospitals. Some people in critical condition were taken to a hospital in Puebla City, the state capital, he said.
President Enrique Pena Nieto said he was monitoring the rescue operations and said his government would provide assistance.
“My thoughts go out to all those affected by the tragic accident,” Pena Nieto tweeted.
Government officials said in a post on Twitter that the damaged bridge would be closed until repairs are made.