On Monday (June 3), a large crowd gathered along a railway in Nopala de Villagran, Mexico, excited to see a vintage steam train known as The Empress 2816 pass through.
Keith Creel, President and CEO of CPKC, had earlier announced the tour in January, stating:
“The Final Spike Anniversary Steam Tour will be the first ever steam-powered passenger train in North America to traverse Canada, the U.S. and Mexico in a single trip.”
Among the many spectators, a 29-year-old woman named Dulce Alondra tragically got too close to the tracks in her attempt to snap a selfie as the train approached.
The devastating moment was captured on video, showing Dulce crouching next to a child, presumably her own, while holding up her phone for a picture.
It is believed that the young boy was not injured.
“A woman has been fatally injured while she was very close to the track taking a picture,” the authority reported.
CPKC Mexico also issued a stern warning about safety near railway lines:
:All those people who want to observe the passing of the train should remain at least 10 metres away from the tracks. People should never stop near or on the tracks themselves or try to climb onto the train or any railway infrastructure.
Many have paid tribute to Dulce, who was a mother of one.
Angel Salvador expressed his sorrow on Facebook: “Rest in peace Dulce Alondra García Hernandez. I’m going to miss you my friend.”
An acquaintance also commented on the tragedy: “Rest in peace Dulce Alondra Garcia. She was just trying to enjoy the passing of the Canadian Pacific steam locomotive The Empress but sadly she got too close and lost her life trying to take a selfie.
“She was just trying to capture a great memory but never imagined that would be the last moment of her life. Rest in peace.”
“Each year hundreds of people around the world suffer serious accidents or lose their lives trying to get the perfect image for social media.”