MEXICO CITY (AP) – A tragic accident occurred early Monday in Atlacomulco, a town located northwest of Mexico City, where a train collided with a double-deck bus. This devastating incident resulted in the loss of at least eight lives and left 45 others injured, as reported by local authorities.

The State of Mexico's civil defense agency provided updates via social media platform X, informing the public that emergency services were still on-site, working amidst the wreckage. The accident took place in an industrial area characterized by large warehouses and factories, further complicating rescue efforts.

Details about the incident’s circumstances are still emerging. However, one video shared on social media captured the moments leading up to the collision. In the footage, the bus appears to be caught in heavy traffic, gradually moving across the train tracks at a slow pace. Suddenly, a fast-moving train emerges from off-screen and collides with the bus at its midpoint. The sheer force from the train's speed propelled the bus down the tracks before it vanished from view.

Eyewitness accounts and the video evidence indicated a lack of visible safety measures at the railway crossing. There were no gates or signals to warn drivers, and moments before the crash, other vehicles can be seen crossing the tracks as traffic continued to flow.

Additional footage captured after the incident shows the bus resting off to the side of the tracks, severely damaged. The roof of the bus was completely torn off. Desperate individuals were visible on the upper deck, attempting to navigate the chaotic situation as the train came to a halt.

The collision has prompted a wave of concern regarding railway safety and traffic management in the region. Authorities are expected to conduct a thorough investigation to determine the exact causes behind this tragic event, particularly focusing on the absence of safety measures at the crossing.

As the local communities and victims’ families grapple with the aftermath of this disaster, calls for accountability and improved safety protocols are likely to intensify. The accident serves as a somber reminder of the critical need for stringent safety regulations in areas where railways intersect with road traffic.