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A WOMAN has died after she was struck by a train while attempting to take a selfie near railway tracks in a horrific caught-on-camera incident.

The unnamed victim was watching the Empress, a vintage steam train, cruise by in Nopala de Villagrán, Mexico, located northwest of Mexico City when the crash occurred on Tuesday.

The victim got close to the tracks to try and get a good photo of the train as it passed by
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The victim got close to the tracks to try and get a good photo of the train as it passed byCredit: Jam Press Vid
However, she got too close to the train and died after getting struck
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However, she got too close to the train and died after getting struckCredit: Jam Press Vid
Canadian Pacific 2816, also known as the Empress, is on its last leg of tour dates
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Canadian Pacific 2816, also known as the Empress, is on its last leg of tour datesCredit: Jam Press

She stood dangerously close to the tracks with her phone in hand as the vintage steam train passed through the area during its Final Spike Steam Tour.

In the chilling footage, the woman, dressed in an orange top, is seen standing near a child as the train approaches. 

As the child ducks down in response to the oncoming locomotive, the woman drops to one knee to take the photo. 

Tragically, the corner of the train's engine strikes her on the back of her head, sending her crashing forward.

The video captures the horrified reactions of witnesses as a man rushes to drag the victim's body away from the passing train. 

Despite the efforts of emergency services, the woman's death was confirmed at the scene.

This highlights the grave consequences of disregarding safety protocols near railway tracks.

FINAL SPIKE STEAM TOUR

The Canadian Pacific 2816, also known as the Empress, had been on its final tour through North America since April, commemorating its last journey before retirement.

However, the joyous occasion was impaired by the tragic accident.

The Canadian Pacific Kansas City company expressed deep regret and vowed cooperation with authorities in their investigation.

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Residents have been reminded of the importance of maintaining a safe distance of at least 33 feet from railway tracks at all times. 

Officials emphasized the need to prioritize safety over capturing photos or videos.

The Canadian Pacific Kansas City also cautioned against any attempts to climb on railway equipment or infrastructure for better views.

As communities mourn the loss of the victim, this devastating incident underscored the importance of exercising caution to prevent similar tragedies in the future.

What is the Final Spike Steam Tour?

The Final Spike Tour is a special event organized by the Canadian Pacific Kansas City company to commemorate the merger of two historic railroads on April 14, 2023. This merger created the first and only railroad network connecting North America.

It is a unique opportunity for communities along the route to experience the nostalgia of steam-powered passenger trains and to reflect on the significance of railways in shaping the past, present, and future of transportation.

Tour dates:

  • Calgary, Alta. | April 24 
  • Moose Jaw, Sask. | April 28 
  • Minot, N.D. | April 30
  • St. Paul, Minn. | May 3 
  • Franklin Park, Ill. | May 8
  • Davenport, Iowa | May 10 
  • Kansas City, Mo. | May 18
  • Shreveport, La.| May 24 
  • Laredo, Texas | May 28
  • Monterrey, Mexico | May 31 
  • Mexico City, Mexico | June 4

Credit:

The Empress planned 11 stops for its Final Spike Steam Tour.

Keith Creel, CPKC President and CEO highlighted the importance of the tour.

“Our combination on April 14, 2023, brought together two railroads with long and proud histories that together created the first and only railroad network connecting North America," Creel said in a January announcing the tour.

“This special cross-continental journey of the 2816 steam locomotive serves as a reminder of our past and a celebration of our future.

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"We are excited to share this extraordinary experience with communities across our network as we mark the one-year anniversary of our CPKC journey.

"The Final Spike Anniversary Steam Tour will be the first ever steam-powered passenger train in North America to traverse Canada, the US, and Mexico in a single trip.”

The victim is noticeably closer to the train tracks than the other people
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The victim is noticeably closer to the train tracks than the other people
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