On Friday, a passenger train in Argentina's capital collided with an empty boxcar, resulting in at least 90 injuries. The incident occurred as the train was en route from Buenos Aires to the northern suburbs and derailed on a bridge in the Palermo neighborhood.
Authorities are investigating the cause of the collision, as it remains unclear why the empty boxcar was on the tracks. Buenos Aires Mayor Jorge Macri commended the swift evacuation efforts at the crash site, where dozens of injured individuals were treated, with 30 requiring hospitalization for moderate to serious injuries.
Rescuers, aided by police dogs, worked to free 90 people trapped in the wreckage, some of whom had to be lowered from the highway overpass by rope. Passengers recounted a sudden jolt as the train restarted on the bridge and collided with the other train, causing chaos and derailment.
Following the incident, service on the rail line was suspended, and efforts were made to secure the area. Residents were urged to avoid the crash site to facilitate emergency response operations.
This collision has raised concerns about rail safety in Argentina, given a history of train crashes between 2012 and 2014 that resulted in numerous fatalities and injuries. Outdated infrastructure, delays, and human error were identified as contributing factors to past accidents, prompting the government to invest in new safety and braking systems.
