Single Mom Dies After Train Accident

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In a heart-wrenching incident, 29-year-old Dulce Alondra, a dedicated teacher and single mother, tragically lost her life while trying to take a selfie near a vintage steam train in Nopala de Villagrán, Mexico. The accident has left the community in shock and her young son orphaned.

Dulce was struck by the locomotive known as The Empress, a historic train built in Montreal in December 1930. On Tuesday, while standing on a small hill for a selfie, she moved a step too close to the passing train, resulting in the fatal accident. In a tragic twist, a voice warning spectators to stay clear of the tracks can be heard just moments before the incident occurred. Despite these warnings, Dulce, focused on capturing the perfect image, did not realize the impending danger.

The Empress, also known as Canadian Pacific 2816, is a H1b 4-6-4 Hudson type steam locomotive, one of its kind that still survives intact. After being out of commission since 2012, the train embarked on its Final Spike Steam Tour from Calgary in April, which will conclude in Mexico City on June 7.

Dulce’s death has prompted local authorities to reiterate the importance of maintaining a safe distance from train tracks and railway equipment. They emphasized that spectators should stand at least 33 feet away from the tracks and avoid climbing on any railway infrastructure to prevent such tragedies.

Tributes have poured in for Dulce, highlighting the deep impact she had on her friends and community. Angel Salvador, a close friend, expressed his grief on Facebook, writing, “Rest in peace Dulce Alondra García Hernandez. I’m going to miss you my friend.” Another friend, Patty Gar, who shared details of Dulce’s wake and funeral arrangements, poignantly remarked, “Life is fragile and at times it’s taken away from us in an instant. I will miss you forever my friend.”

An acquaintance reflecting on the tragedy noted, “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. The blow she received was fatal and those at the scene could do nothing to save her. When the emergency services arrived she was already dead. She was just trying to capture a great memory but never imagined that would be the last moment of her life. Rest in peace.”

However, not all reactions were sympathetic. Some critics used the incident as a cautionary tale about the dangers of taking selfies in unsafe locations. One commenter stated, “This incident is a reminder of the dangers associated with selfies in unconventional places. Each year hundreds of people around the world suffer serious accidents or lose their lives trying to get the perfect image for social media.” Another critic bluntly remarked, “Her recklessness killed her.”

The operators of the train, Canadian Pacific Kansas City, expressed their condolences in a statement: “We regret to share that a woman was fatally injured while standing foul of a passing train soon after it departed a station in the municipality of Nopala de Villagrán, Hidalgo on Tuesday. This tragic incident is under investigation. We are deeply saddened by this loss of life and wish to express our condolences to the woman’s family and loved ones. For their own safety and that of the crews, all spectators looking at any train must always remain at least 10 meters back from the train and the tracks. Spectators must never stand on railway tracks, try to board rail equipment or climb on rail infrastructure. Always use caution around tracks and trains.”

Dulce Alondra’s funeral is set to take place in her hometown of Huichapan, approximately 25 miles from where the tragic accident occurred.

I know it’s easy to get excited, but always be aware of your surroundings.

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