At least 23 people have died following a metro overpass collapse in Mexico City, the mayor has confirmed.

As reported by BBC News, two train carriages could be seen hanging from the collapsed structure, as it gave way on Monday at around 10:00PM local time.

More than 70 people have been left injured in the incident - with 49 of these hospitalized, The Independent reports.

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The incident - which is being described as the deadlist incident to occur on the city's metro system in decades - occurred in the south-east of the city, on the metro's Line 12 near the Olivos station.

Mexico City Mayor Claudia Sheinbaum addressed reporters at the scene, stating that the cause of the tragedy is still under investigation, BBC News states, although she did tell press that "a support beam gave way."

"If there's a need for an external investigation, there will be one," she said, per CBS News. "We will get to the truth and we will get justice."

Per The Independent, a rescue operation was suspended early Tuesday, due to the safety concerns raised by a dangling car.

Speaking of those potentially trapped inside, Sheinbaum said: "We don’t know if they are alive."

On Twitter, Sheinbaum confirmed that at least 23 people have died in the incident, some of which are believed to be children.

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One passenger, 26-year-old Mariana, recalled the incident to El Universal, saying: "We only heard a loud thunder, and everything fell apart.

"There were many people standing and sitting in the carriage, and when the carriage fell, we went flying and hit our heads on its roof."

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Earlier on Tuesday, Secretary of Foreign Relations of Mexico Marcelo Ebrard tweeted: "What happened today in the Metro is a terrible tragedy.

"My solidarity with the victims and their families. Of course, causes must be investigated and responsibilities defined. I reiterate myself at the entire disposal of the authorities to contribute in whatever is necessary."

BBC News states that Mexico City's metro system is one of the busiest in the worst, transporting "tens of millions of passengers a week".

Featured image credit: Xinhua / Alamy

At least 23 dead and 70 injured in overpass collapse in Mexico City