>>508697292NOPALA DE VILLAGRAN, Mexico — A 29-year-old woman was struck and killed today while trying to take a photo during the passage of CPKC’s Final Spike Steam Tour train in the Mexican state of Hidalgo, according to multiple media reports.
The news site Debate reports that the woman was standing next to the tracks trying to take a selfie with the train’s locomotive; photos of the moment before the woman was struck are widespread on news sites and social media, and a video of the accident is also circulating. Other photos show a huge number of spectators crowding the tracks near the Aragón station in the muncipality of Nopala de Villagrán, where CP 4-6-4 No. 2816 and the CPKC executive train were scheduled to make a 20-minute stop at 12:25 p.m. Reports say that spectators ignored instructions from security at the site to maintain a safe distance from the track.
The woman was pronounced dead at the scene upon the arrival of emergency responders. She has been identified but her name has not been released. Other family members were reportedly with her at the time of the accident.
The site of the incident is about 60 miles northwest of Mexico City.
“Tragically, we regret to share that a woman was fatally injured while standing foul of a passing train soon after it departed Ahorcado,” CPKC said in a statement this evening. “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.
“For their own safety and that of the crews, all spectators looking at any train must always remain at least 10 meters back from the train and the tracks. Spectators must never stand on railway tracks, try to board rail equipment or climb on rail infrastructure. Always use caution around tracks and trains.”
The incident unfortunately recalls a 2018 incident in which a spectator was struck and killed by a Union Pacific steam special with 4-8-4 No. 844.