An overpass in Mexico City collapsed on Monday night after a train passed over it, leaving 70 people injured and as many as 20 dead, authorities report.
A photograph of the train and bridge collapse last night. Credit: Luis Cortez / Reuters
When the bridge collapsed, the carriage and tracks plunged downwards, scattering rubble onto the road below. Several videos of the incident were posted on social media and Mexican news overnight.
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Of those injured, 49 have been seriously wounded, requiring medical attention. They have been taken to several local hospitals for treatment.
Authorities have revealed that cars became trapped under the rubble and confirmed that children were among the fatalities.
Before its collapse, the bridge was suspended 5 metres (16 feet) above the road below and formed part of the city's newest Line 12..
Mexico City's Mayor Claudia Sheinbaum rushed to the area alongside dozens of rescuers.
She took to Twitter to announce that "various public safety personnel are working" on the situation with "various hospitals" on standby to receive victims. She revealed local authorities would relay more information soon.
She told reporters that "a support beam gave away" at 10:30 pm local time.
Rough translation: " Most recent civil protection report. I'm still in the area of the incident. We regret the loss of life. We will give all the support to the relatives."
The Mayor reports at least one survivor was trapped in a vehicle beneath the rubble but has since been freed. She later confirmed no other people were trapped.
Rescue efforts last night were temporarily suspended earlier in the night due to concerns over the stability of the train car, which was still dangling over the road.
The below video shows the bridge collapsing onto a busy road:
The following video shows the relief efforts shortly after the accident:
More developments on this story as they come.
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