Woman Fatally Struck by Steam Train in Mexico While Taking Selfie

A 29-year-old woman died after being struck by the International Empress 2816 steam train at Aragón station in Nopala de Villagrán, Mexico. The tragic incident occurred on June 4, 2024, while she was attempting to take a selfie with the locomotive.

The accident happened at 12:25 p.m. during a scheduled 20-minute stop of the CPKC's Final Spike Steam Tour train. Despite security personnel's instructions to maintain a safe distance, the woman stood next to the tracks, ignoring the warnings.

This incident highlights the importance of safety awareness and responsible behavior around trains, which is essential for preventing accidents and saving lives. The consequences of negligence can be devastating, resulting in loss of life and trauma for families and communities.

Witnesses at the scene reported that the woman was part of a group waiting for the train's passage. She was struck by the train's piston, causing severe contusion and instant death. A video shared on social media captured the moment of the accident, where the woman was seen touching a child's head to indicate for them to stay low and hold onto her leg before being struck. The child is reported to be alive.

The Canadian Pacific Kansas City (CPKC) issued a statement expressing their condolences: "Tragically, we regret to share that a woman was fatally injured while standing foul of a passing train soon after it departed Ahorcado. This tragic incident is under investigation. We are deeply saddened by this loss of life and wish to express our condolences to the woman's family and loved ones."

The incident serves as a sobering illustration of the importance of safety around trains. CPKC emphasized that spectators must always remain at least 10 meters back from the train and tracks, never stand on railway tracks, try to board rail equipment, or climb on rail infrastructure. "Always use caution around tracks and trains," the statement added.

The International Empress 2816, known by the name Empress, is a preserved class H1b 4-6-4 Hudson type steam locomotive built by the Montreal Locomotive Works in December 1930 for the Canadian Pacific Railway. It is the only non-streamlined H1 Hudson to have survived into preservation. The locomotive was primarily used in pulling passenger trains in revenue service for thirty years before it was retired in the 1960s.

In 2023, the CP merged with Kansas City Southern to become the new Canadian Pacific Kansas City (CPKC), and No. 2816 returned to service in the spring of 2024. The train is currently on its Final Spike Anniversary Steam Tour, a commemorative event celebrating the legacy of CPKC.

This incident is reminiscent of a 2018 tragedy where a woman was struck and killed by a Union Pacific steam special in Commerce City, Colorado, while trying to take a photo of the passing train. These incidents highlight the critical need for vigilance and adherence to safety protocols around trains.

The unfortunate death of the woman in Nopala de Villagrán highlights the dangers of disregarding safety measures around trains. It is imperative for all spectators to prioritize their safety and follow guidelines to prevent such tragedies.

Key Takeaways

• A 29-year-old woman died taking a selfie with a steam train in Mexico.
• The accident occurred during a 20-minute stop at Aragón station.
• She was struck by the train's piston, causing instant death.
• The incident highlights the importance of safety awareness around trains.
• CPKC emphasizes the need to stay at least 10 meters back from trains and tracks.