Metro overpass collapses in Mexico City killing 23

The most populous city in North America also has one of the busiest metro systems

An overpass carrying a metro line in Mexico City has collapsed, causing the deaths of more than 20 people, Mexico City Mayor Claudia Sheinbaum has confirmed. The elevated section of line 12 collapsed at Olivos station, causing metro carriages to fall onto cars below late last night in the Mexican capital.

Sheinbaum confirmed via Twitter that emergency service personnel were attending the scene, with multiple hospitals accepting casualties from the scene. The Secretaría de Gestión Integral de Riesgos y PC also confirmed that 49 people had also been injured in the disaster.

Line 12 of the Sistema de Transporte Colectivo (STC) was opened in October of 2012. A 7.1 magnitude earthquake hit Mexico City in 2017 and damaged parts of the Tláhuac–Culhuacán section. As a result, stretches of the elevated line between Olivos and Tláhuac was closed for repair, and according to La Universal residents in the area feared that structural damage might result in a collapse. Repairs however were carried out and service on the line resumed later that year.

Sheinbaum has announced that an investigation into the collapse was already underway into the cause of the collapse. Service on Line 12 is suspended,  with Mayor Sheinbaum announcing that nearly 500 buses are in operation as a replacement.

En las próximas horas la @SGIRPC_CDMX dará información más actualizada de traslados hospitalarios. Hasta el momento nos informa hay 23 lamentables decesos. Se inicia una revisión estructural de toda la línea 12 y un peritaje e investigación profunda de las causas

— Claudia Sheinbaum (@Claudiashein) May 4, 2021

The BBC reports that there could still be people trapped underneath the rubble at the scene, with fears mounting that the grim death toll of 23 could well rise over the coming hours.

 “What happened today with the Metro is a terrible tragedy. My solidarity with the victims and their families,” said former Mayor and current Foreign Minister Marcelo Ebrard.

“Of course, the causes must be investigated and responsibilities defined. I reiterate I am at the disposal of authorities to help in whatever is necessary.”

Lo ocurrido hoy en el Metro es una terrible tragedia. Mi solidaridad a las víctimas y sus familias.Por supuesto deben investigarse causas y deslindarse responsabilidades. Me reitero a la entera disposición de las autoridades para contribuir en todo lo que sea necesario.

— Marcelo Ebrard C. (@m_ebrard) May 4, 2021