A fatal railway accident in the southern state of Oaxaca has resulted in the deaths of at least 13 people, an incident expected to reignite opposition criticisms regarding the pace and execution of the country's key public works projects.
The accident took place on the Interoceanic Train, a rail link constructed to join the Atlantic and Pacific Ocean across the narrowest part of the Isthmus of Tehuantepec. This project was created to provide an competing rail corridor to the Panama Canal, with the goal of spurring economic development in the area.
“We are going to rigorously clarify what caused this tragedy,” declared the national leader.
The president confirmed that, of the some 250 individuals on board, another 98 were wounded, with five of those in grave condition. The president stated plans to visit Oaxaca to confer with those affected.
Major Initiative of Former Government
The Interoceanic Train was a cornerstone public works project of the former leader, whose presidency finished the prior year. This venture was a hallmark of his leadership's economic goals for the southeastern region.
Another massive rail project from that period, a tourist and cargo loop around the Yucatán Peninsula, was also integral to the wider plan to kickstart the economic fortunes of a historically poorer part of the country.
Building Management and Worries
The development of both train projects was supervised by the army, marking a dramatic expansion of its role in national infrastructure. They were built at an fast-tracked speed, surpassing predictions to be at least partly inaugurated before the end of that government.
However, this rushed timetable had concurrently fueled ongoing questions over operational security.
- Sunday's crash was the third event on the Interoceanic Train this year.
- This involves an previous crash this month when a train hit a truck at a level crossing.
- The other major rail project has also had two non-deadly derailments.
Calls for Review and Suspension
In the wake of the disaster, the head of a key rival party called for an urgent suspension in the construction and operation of all such projects.
This halt was proposed pending a thorough independent investigation. The party declared that the loss of life "calls for immediate answers."
In reply, the president maintained that the train had been functioning in complete adherence to all security protocols. Commitments were given that the government would remain "responsible" in both the development and running of these national projects.
