On December 28, 2025, a derailment occurred in the Zapotec community of Nizanda, Asunción Ixtaltepec, Oaxaca, along the Interoceanic Train’s notorious “Las Orejas de Conejo” curve. Despite initial blame placed on the train operator, President Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo announced a planned change to the track layout in that area to “avoid these sharp curves and enhance safety.”

The official investigation attributed the accident to “human error” by the operator, dismissing claims that poor materials or construction defects—rumored to involve relatives of former President Andrés Manuel López Obrador—were to blame.

Sheinbaum also shared that within two to three weeks, authorities will be able to announce when passenger train operations will resume. She emphasized that families affected by the accident have received comprehensive reparations and support.

During her press conference on June 5, 2026, the president confirmed that passenger service remains suspended for safety reasons. She added that next week, the German company TÜV Rheinland will issue recommendations, after which all necessary operational improvements and possible track rehabilitations will begin.

This proactive approach to revising the train’s route and prioritizing safety reflects a commitment to modernizing infrastructure while addressing community concerns—an important step for a project that promises to connect regions and foster economic opportunities across Oaxaca and beyond.