In a tragic incident that has left a small town in mourning, a 29-year-old teacher named Dulce Alondra lost her life after being struck by a vintage steam train while attempting to take a selfie. The accident occurred in Nopala de Villagran, about 60 miles northwest of Mexico City, and is another example of people who get distracted when they use their phones.

On that fateful Tuesday, Alondra was with her young son near the tracks when she was hit by a locomotive known as The Empress. A video captures her warning her son to stay low and away from the train, but as she posed for a selfie on a small hill, she stepped too close and was struck. Fortunately, her son was unharmed but has now been left orphaned by this tragic event.

The incident unfolded despite warnings being issued to bystanders to keep their distance from the train. Authorities have reiterated that residents should maintain a distance of at least 33 feet from railway tracks and never attempt to climb on railway equipment or infrastructure.

Tributes have poured in for Dulce Alondra, painting a picture of a beloved teacher and friend. Angel Salvador, a friend, expressed his sorrow on Facebook: “Rest in peace Dulce Alondra García Hernandez. I’m going to miss you my friend.” Close friend Patty Gar shared details about Alondra’s wake and funeral, adding, “Life is fragile and at times it’s taken away from us in an instant. I will miss you forever my friend.”

One acquaintance reflected on the tragic irony of Alondra’s death: “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.”

In contrast, some have criticized the actions leading to the accident, pointing out the dangers of taking selfies in hazardous locations. One critic noted, “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 commenter was more blunt, stating, “Her recklessness killed her.”

The Canadian Pacific 2816, known as The Empress, is a historic H1b 4-6-4 Hudson type steam locomotive built in Montreal in December 1930. After being out of commission since 2012, the train began its Final Spike Steam Tour in Calgary this past April, concluding in Mexico City on June 7.

Canadian Pacific Kansas City, who operate the train, 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.”

Another similar event took place in Indonesia when a Chinese woman, 31, named Huang Lihong was visiting the volcano park in East Java.

Reports say that Lihong was posing for a photo and kept getting closer to the edge despite numerous warnings telling people to stay away from the ledge of the volcano’s crater. As the woman continued to inch back for that perfect shot ” started walking backward to inch closer — then accidentally stepped on her long clothing, tripped and fell into the mouth of volcano.”

The fall took her life and it took two hours for rescuers to retrieve her body.