A bus carrying several dozen agricultural workers in southern Sonora was struck by a train Tuesday, leaving seven dead and more than 30 injured. Two of the victims were teenagers.
Witnesses told state authorities that it appeared the bus driver tried to beat the train across the tracks near Vicam, Sonora, though an investigation remains ongoing. The driver did not test positive for alcohol, according to a state attorney release on the incident.
Such incidents are uncommon in that part of the state, says researcher José Eduardo Calvario with the Colegio de Sonora.
But “in general these types of incidents occur frequently in agricultural communities,” he added.
Last May, a van carrying workers to harvest watermelons near Hermosillo collided with a truck, leaving eight dead, according to media reports. Between 2010 and mid-2019, nearly 140 people were injured and 20 were killed on state roadways in accidents involving agricultural workers, according to data previously obtained by KJZZ. Calvario said closer oversight and enforcement of existing laws are necessary to address the issue.
Much of Sonora's agricultural output is grown for export.
