Mexico City, June 7, 2024 — In a tragic turn of events, a Mexican woman lost her life after being struck by the historic steam train 'Canadian Pacific 2816', also known as 'The Empress'. The incident occurred while she was attempting to take a selfie near the railway line.
The coal-burning steam train, built in December 1930 in Montreal, Canada, is a rare sight in modern transportation. As a 'H1B464' Hudson type steam locomotive, 'The Empress' has recently been the center of attention during its demonstration run, which began in Calgary, Canada, last April. The train's journey saw it crossing into the United States and eventually into Mexico, drawing crowds fascinated by its historical significance and rarity.
According to reports from the British media Daily Mail, the unfortunate incident took place in a Mexican city as 'The Empress' continued its journey toward Mexico City. Dulce Alondra, a 29-year-old teacher, was among the many spectators who gathered along the railway lines to witness the iconic steam train.
A video that has since gone viral on social media shows Alondra holding her mobile phone close to the railway track, aiming to capture a selfie with the approaching train. Misjudging the proximity, she was struck on the back of the head by a part of the passing train. The impact caused her to fall forward, and she was seen lying motionless as bystanders attempted to assist her.
The accident has cast a somber shadow over what was meant to be a celebratory and nostalgic demonstration of railway history. Authorities have urged the public to exercise caution and maintain a safe distance from the tracks during such events to prevent further tragedies.
The incident highlights the dangers of distractions and the importance of respecting safety protocols around moving trains, even those as historically significant as 'The Empress'. As the investigation continues, the focus remains on preventing such accidents in the future while commemorating the legacy of historic trains.
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