A recent train derailment in Sonora has caused a significant spill of around 59,000 liters of sodium hydrosulfide, a chemical used in various industrial processes, including copper mining. The spill has prompted an investigation by the Federal Attorney General’s Office (FGR), raising concerns for nearby communities and the environment.
This incident occurred with a freight train operated by Ferromex, a subsidiary of Grupo México, one of the world’s leading copper producers. The derailment took place about 20 kilometers south of the U.S. border, complicating the cleanup efforts due to recent rainfall. These conditions have heightened fears regarding the potential environmental impact of the release.
Governor Alfonso Durazo stated that the impact from the tank car falling helped contain some of the leak, and emergency services responded quickly to mitigate risks. Daniel Gámez, from Sonora’s Civil Protection Agency, confirmed that emergency measures were immediately implemented following the incident, with teams on-site assessing the situation.
Residents of the nearby community of Naco reported that the fumes produced by the sodium hydrosulfide interacting with water forced some families in the Cuauhtémoc ejido to leave their homes temporarily. Local officials highlighted that Sunday’s rain hindered cleanup efforts, allowing runoff to carry away some spilled material.
The National Water Commission is currently sampling both water and soil to check for contamination, while the Federal Attorney for Environmental Protection (Profepa) is closely monitoring the situation. There is a possibility that contaminated runoff could reach waterways leading to Cananea, a city located approximately 10 miles further south.
As authorities work to manage the aftermath of this derailment, they are focused on ensuring the safety of affected communities while addressing the environmental implications.