A passenger train collision in Buenos Aires, Argentina, left at least 30 people injured on Friday, May 10th, 2024. The incident occurred around 10:30 am local time when a train traveling from the capital city to the northern suburbs struck an empty boxcar on the tracks. The impact caused the passenger train to derail on a bridge in the Palermo neighborhood.
Emergency services responded swiftly to the scene, evacuating passengers and providing medical attention. Alberto Crescenti, director of Buenos Aires' Emergency Medical Assistance Service, reported that 90 people received medical evaluation at the site. Among those, 30 were classified as seriously injured and transported to local hospitals. At least two of the seriously injured individuals sustained chest trauma and broken bones and were airlifted by helicopter for treatment.
The cause of the collision remains under investigation. Authorities are looking into how the empty boxcar ended up on the active train tracks. Buenos Aires Mayor Jorge Macri praised the emergency response for their swift action in evacuating the wreckage.
The accident caused significant disruption to train services in the area. Commuters faced delays and cancellations as officials worked to clear the wreckage and investigate the cause of the crash. The incident has also raised concerns about railway safety in Argentina. While serious train accidents are rare, this incident highlights the potential dangers and underscores the need for continued investment in safety measures.
Investigations are ongoing to determine the cause of the crash and ensure similar incidents can be prevented in the future.