1,300 migrants avoid harm as Mexico train derails

MEXICO CITY (AP) — Authorities in southern Mexico say a cargo train derailed without causing any injuries to about 1,300 Central American migrants who had jammed onto the freight cars on their way north toward the United States.

Oaxaca state civil protection spokesman Luis Velasco says the train was delayed for several hours until workers could repair the rails late Wednesday. He says the train was traveling from Arriaga in neighboring Chiapas state to the Oaxaca city of Ixtepec, a common route for Central American migrants.

Migrant shelter volunteer Jose Alberto Donis says the train arrived in Ixtepec on Thursday carrying about 1,000 migrants.

It was at least the third derailment in the last month in southern Mexico. Officials blame heavy rain and the lack of maintenance.

Copyright 2014 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

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