A 25-year-old woman lost her life in Nopala de Villagran, 60 miles northwest of Mexico City, after she was struck by a vintage steam train, the “Empress,” while trying to take a selfie as the train passed on Monday, June 3.
The incident occurred during the Canadian Pacific Kansas City’s (CPKC) Final Spike Steam Tour, a rail journey showcasing the locomotive’s journey through Canada, the United States, and Mexico.
On the day of the accident, dressed in an orange top, the woman was preparing for a photo with a young child beside the tracks. As the massive locomotive neared, the child moved to safety, but the woman remained perilously close to the track. The train’s engine struck her on the back of the head, leading to her instant death.
The incident was captured on video. The footage has spread quickly across various media platforms, drawing attention to the critical need for rail safety. CPKC, the organizing company, emphasized that spectators should keep a distance of at least 33 feet from the tracks.
Eyewitnesses described a chaotic scene immediately following the accident, with people rushing to help the clearly injured and unconscious woman. Emergency services declared her dead on their arrival. “This was a preventable accident that should never have occurred,” remarked a first responder.
CPKC expressed profound regret over the incident and extended condolences to the deceased’s family. “We are deeply saddened by this loss and extend our heartfelt condolences to the woman’s family and loved ones,” they said.
The “Empress” involved in the incident is a historic steam locomotive from 1930, participating in a tour to celebrate a noteworthy railway merger. The tour is expected to conclude in Mexico City later this week.