A deadly train derailment in the southern state of Oaxaca has caused the fatalities of at least 13 people, an incident sure to fuel critical opposition regarding the rapidity and execution of the country's major public works projects.
The crash took place on the trans-isthmus railway, a rail link constructed to link the Atlantic Ocean and Pacific Ocean across the narrowest part of the Isthmus of Tehuantepec. This project was intended to provide an competing rail corridor to the Panama Canal, aimed at driving regional growth in the area.
“We shall meticulously determine what caused this incident,” affirmed the head of state.
The leader confirmed that, of the some 250 people on board, another 98 were injured, with five of those in serious condition. The official stated plans to go to Oaxaca to confer with those impacted.
Major Initiative of Past Leadership
The Interoceanic Train was a central public works project of the immediate past president, whose presidency concluded the year before. This rail line was a hallmark of his administration's developmental agenda for the southeastern region.
Another massive rail project from that period, a passenger and freight circuit around the Yucatán Peninsula, was also part of the wider plan to kickstart the economic fortunes of a comparatively disadvantaged part of the country.
Building Management and Risks Apprehensions
The construction of both rail lines was supervised by the army, marking a dramatic increase of its duties in public infrastructure. They were built at an accelerated rate, beating expectations to be partially launched before the end of that government.
However, this fast-paced schedule had also sparked persistent concerns over safety standards.
- Sunday's accident was the third event on the Interoceanic Train within the past twelve months.
- This includes an previous crash this month when a train smashed into a truck at a crossing.
- The other major rail project has also had several non-deadly derailments.
Demands for Investigation and Halt
In the wake of the disaster, the leader of a key rival party urged an urgent suspension in the building and running of all such projects.
This pause was requested pending a comprehensive independent investigation. The party declared that the situation "calls for immediate answers."
In reaction, the national leader asserted that the train had been operating in total adherence to all safety requirements. Assurances were given that the government would remain "responsible" in both the development and management of these strategic initiatives.
