A passenger train derailed in the Liniers district of Buenos Aires on November 11, 2025, injuring at least 19 people and prompting a rapid response from emergency services across Argentina’s capital. The accident occurred on the busy Sarmiento commuter line, one of the city’s key rail arteries connecting western suburbs to downtown Buenos Aires.

According to local authorities, the derailment took place at a rail switch point when the train’s rear cars veered off the tracks, causing several carriages to crumple partially and fill the area with clouds of dust and debris. Witnesses reported hearing a loud metallic screech moments before the cars began to tilt. Fortunately, no fatalities have been confirmed, and all injured passengers were quickly transported to nearby hospitals, where most are said to be in stable condition.

Video footage from the scene shows emergency crews working to secure the site, evacuate passengers, and assess potential structural risks. The rapid response by Buenos Aires’ Civil Defense, firefighters, and medical personnel was credited with preventing further injuries or chaos during the evacuation. Rail operations on the Sarmiento line were immediately suspended as investigators began examining the cause of the derailment.

Initial reports suggest that aging rail infrastructure and a possible switch malfunction may have played a role in the accident. The Argentine Ministry of Transportation has announced a full safety audit of the commuter rail network, emphasizing that modernization and maintenance remain urgent national priorities.

The derailment has reignited public debate over Argentina’s long-standing transportation challenges. Despite previous investments in safety upgrades and new rolling stock, much of the country’s commuter rail system still operates on decades-old tracks and outdated signaling equipment. Experts warn that without significant reform and sustained investment, further accidents may be inevitable.

For now, the focus remains on recovery and reassurance. With no fatalities and all 19 injured expected to recover, authorities have called the incident a “near-miss tragedy”—a stark reminder of both the fragility and resilience of Argentina’s public transportation network.