A train has derailed after sleepers were allegedly stolen from the tracks, leaving one dead and seven seriously injured.
Terrifying footage showed multiple carriages plunging down an embankment in a cloud of dust.
Over a dozen wagons came off the tracks.
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The locomotive, operated by the railway operator Ferromex, was reportedly transporting 10,900 tons of steel at the time.
The crash took place in the municipality of Rincón de Romos in the Mexican state of Aguascalientes yesterday morning (19 March).
The freight train was headed toward the northern state of Coahuila.
The derailment happened near a local restaurant, causing property damage and moments of panic.
One person was killed and at least seven were injured.
The victims were migrants from Honduras and El Salvador.
The deceased was identified as Honduran national José Ricard, 40.
He was reportedly trying to make his way to the border to try to cross into the US.
Another victim named Isidro, 45, needed his left leg amputated after the crash, as reported by NeedToKnow.
They were allegedly riding on top of the carriages at the time.
No casualties were reported among the train crew.
Following a preliminary investigation, it’s believed that the theft of railway sleepers from the track was the main cause of the crash.
However, a mechanical failure has not yet been ruled out.
A full investigation into the derailment is ongoing.
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