The Benavídez rail disaster, which occurred on February 1, 1970, is the worst-ever rail disaster in Argentina and South America, leaving 236 dead and more than 500 injured.
Why this event still matters
Historical incidents shape the rules that protect people today — building codes, evacuation policy, warning systems and inspection regimes almost always trace back to a specific disaster. Studying Benavidez rail disaster alongside current events is how preparedness improves.
See what is happening right now on the live world incident map, browse every train accidents we track on the Rail Accident tracker, or follow live incidents in Argentina.