A bridge has collapsed in Mexico City, which has caused a subway train to run out and crash into the ground, reports Reuters.
At least 15 people have been confirmed dead, the civil defense reports on Twitter. So far, 34 people have been transported to hospital. According to the Ministry of Risk and Defense, at least 70 must be injured.
The injured are being transported to various hospitals in the area.
– What happened today is a terrible tragedy. My thoughts are with the victims and their families, writes Mexican Foreign Minister Marcelo Ebrard on Twitter.
He also points out that it must now be investigated what caused the accident, and where the responsibility may lie. He writes that he will contribute to this work.
Searching for survivors
Surveillance photos show the moment when the train runs straight into the ground. Photos and videos on Twitter show dramatic photos from the site.
There are also reports that the train has hit cars. Rescue crews have boarded the subway train. According to NTB, they are also looking for survivors in cars that were crushed when they got the train car over them.
The accident happened Monday night, local time. Rapporteur Claudia Sheinbaum writes on Twitter that she is at the scene of the accident, and confirms that injuries and deaths have been reported.
Criticised
Both the police, fire brigade and other rescue crews work on site. Myriam Urzúa Venegas coordinates some of the emergency teams, she informs on Twitter.
We are also working hard to notify relatives, and get them sent to the right hospital. The civil defense asks people to stay away from certain roads in the area, so that the emergency services can escape.
The accident happened at the Olivos station in Las Arboledas, on line 12, which has been criticized for poor maintenance, writes the news agency AP.
–