A deadly train crash in the southern state of Oaxaca has resulted in the deaths of at least 13 people, an incident likely to revive opposition criticisms regarding the speed and execution of the country's key infrastructure initiatives.
The disaster occurred on the Interoceanic Train, a rail link developed to connect the Atlantic and Pacific across the narrowest part of the Isthmus of Tehuantepec. This initiative was intended to provide an competing rail corridor to the Panama Canal, aimed at driving regional growth in the area.
“We shall rigorously clarify what caused this incident,” affirmed the country's president.
The official confirmed that, of the some 250 passengers on board, another 98 were hurt, with five of those in grave condition. The official stated plans to go to Oaxaca to confer with those affected.
Flagship Project of Former Government
The Interoceanic Train was a central development scheme of the former leader, whose time in office finished the prior year. This project was intimately linked to his leadership's developmental goals for the southern region.
Another multi-billion dollar train initiative from that time, a tourist and cargo loop around the Yucatán Peninsula, was also integral to the comprehensive effort to stimulate the economy of a historically disadvantaged part of the country.
Project Execution and Safety Concerns
The development of both railway systems was supervised by the armed forces, marking a dramatic growth of its duties in public projects. They were executed at an rapid pace, beating forecasts to be partially opened before the end of that presidency.
However, this fast-paced schedule had simultaneously raised persistent questions over construction quality.
- Sunday's accident was the third event on the Interoceanic Train this year.
- This encompasses an earlier crash this month when a train struck a truck at a railroad crossing.
- The other major rail project has also seen two non-lethal derailments.
Appeals for Review and Suspension
In the aftermath of the catastrophe, the chief of a major opposition party urged an prompt pause in the building and running of all such projects.
This stoppage was suggested pending a full safety audit. The party stated that the tragedy "calls for immediate answers."
In reply, the president insisted that the train had been functioning in total accordance with all safety requirements. Assurances were given that the government would be "responsible" in both the construction and running of these national projects.
