Interoceanic Railway Derailment Investigation Shrouded in Secrecy for Five Years
The sensitive details surrounding the December 28th derailment of the Z Line train on the salina Cruz-Coatzacoalcos route – a tragedy that claimed 14 lives and injured nearly 100 – will remain classified for at least five years, until 2031. The Tehuantepec Isthmus Railway’s Transparency Committee has justified withholding crucial information, citing national security concerns and the potential for sabotage, theft, and illicit activities.
The decision to restrict access to information was made in response to requests filed by THE GLOBAL. According to the committee, releasing technical specifications of the train’s wagons and communications with the command center following the accident could significantly compromise the railway’s operational continuity.
The derailment occurred near the community of nizanda, Oaxaca, and has prompted a criminal investigation led by the Attorney General’s Office (FGR). The FGR has indicated that speeding was a contributing factor and has issued arrest warrants for three railway workers allegedly operating the train without valid licenses. An industrial safety opinion further revealed that the locomotive, FIT-3027, did not adhere to established railway safety regulations.
However, the full extent of the investigation and the details surrounding the accident remain largely concealed. The railway company argued in information request 34001310000226 that disclosing precise details about the train’s equipment – including models, origins, manuals, and identifiers – would elevate the risk of “possible sabotage, theft of parts and planning of illicit acts” targeting infrastructure deemed strategic. This designation as a national security asset stems from a decree published in the Official Gazette of the Federation on May 18, 2023.
While acknowledging legitimate public interest in understanding the state of the railway’s rolling stock, the committee maintained that providing highly detailed technical information offers “marginal utility compared to the objective of accountability” but substantially increases security risks.
Similarly, copies of communications between the command center and reports generated after the derailment are being withheld. these materials are linked to the FGR’s investigation, case file FED/FIIL/FILC-OAX/00005/2005/2026, and their release could “obstruct the prevention or prosecution of crimes,” potentially revealing lines of inquiry, preliminary findings, and identities of individuals involved.”Its disclosure could obstruct the prevention or prosecution of crimes,” a senior official stated.
The committee emphasized that releasing operational communications and reports associated with the ongoing criminal investigation could “compromise the clarification of the facts and the efficiency of ministerial action.” A five-year reservation period has been established, with a provision for review should the reasons for secrecy diminish or early declassification become appropriate.
The information pertaining to communications with the command center regarding the December 28th accident on the Salina Cruz-Coatzacoalcos route is officially classified as “RESERVED INFORMATION to prove proof of damage,” according to the company. This decision underscores the sensitivity surrounding the Interoceanic Railway project and the lengths to which authorities are going to protect its security and operational integrity.
Here’s a substantive news report answering the “Why, Who, What, and How” questions:
Why: The Tehuantepec Isthmus Railway’s Transparency Committee has classified details surrounding the December 2
