[2] On 18 June 1881, the narrow gauge Morelos Railroad from Mexico City to Cuautla first opened to the public.
To honor the occasion, the President of Mexico and other high government officials visited Cuautla, accompanied by about 300 soldiers.
The 23 June train consisted of: There had been heavy rains in the area,[3] and in the dark, the engineer was unable to see that the bridge was now unsupported.
An investigation was begun, and on 30 June, it was declared that "the actual and sole cause of the disaster was the very bad construction of the bridge.
"[4] However, a report published on 14 July 1881 by The Toronto Mail set the blame squarely on the battalion's commanding officer, stating that he had forced the engineer at gunpoint to cross the bridge.