MEXICO CITY — At least 20 people died and more than 70 injured after a subway train in Mexico City derailed as a result of a collapsing bridge Monday night. The tragedy happened before 11:00 p.m., and many of the passengers were headed back home from work. 

The derailment happened at the subway’s overpass of line 12 near the Olivos station, in a working class neighborhood southeast of the city.

For months, Mexico City’s mayor, Claudia Sheinbaum, has faced criticisms since the subway system, known as “el Metro”, has presented severe problems, including a big fire at its central command earlier this year.

Mexico’s secretary of foreign affairs, Marcelo Ebrard, is also under scrutiny: line 12 was built while he served as mayor and, since then, the line has faced technical failures and corruption allegations.

“El Metro” turned 50 in 2019, and it's one of the largest subways in the world.

Rodrigo Cervantes/KJZZ

The newest trains in Mexico City's metro have bench-like seats to facilitate the entrance of more passengers, plus a video entertainment system.

→ 50 Years Of Mexico City's Metro: Secrets And Lessons From One Of The World's Largest And Strangest Transportation Systems