A deadly train crash in the southern state of Oaxaca has resulted in the deaths of at least 13 people, an incident sure to fuel critical opposition regarding the pace and execution of the country's major public works projects.
The accident occurred on the Interoceanic Corridor train, a rail link constructed to join the Atlantic Ocean and Pacific across the slenderest section of the Isthmus of Tehuantepec. This project was designed to provide an different freight railway path to the Panama Canal, with the goal of spurring regional growth in the area.
“We are going to rigorously clarify the cause of this incident,” declared the country's president.
The leader reported that, of the some 250 people on board, another 98 were injured, with five of those in critical condition. The leader added plans to visit Oaxaca to speak with those impacted.
Flagship Project of Former Government
The Interoceanic Train was a cornerstone infrastructure project of the previous administration, whose time in office finished the year before. This project was closely associated with his administration's developmental agenda for the southern region.
Another massive rail project from that era, a tourist and cargo loop around the Yucatán Peninsula, was also central to the comprehensive effort to revitalize the economic fortunes of a comparatively less developed part of the country.
Building Management and Safety Concerns
The construction of both train projects was overseen by the nation's military, marking a significant increase of its duties in civilian works. They were built at an fast-tracked rate, beating forecasts to be at least partly inaugurated before the end of that administration.
However, this accelerated timeline had concurrently sparked ongoing concerns over construction quality.
- Sunday's derailment was the third occurrence on the Interoceanic Train this year.
- This involves an previous accident this month when a train struck a truck at a level crossing.
- The other major rail project has also had several non-lethal derailments.
Appeals for Review and Suspension
In the wake of the tragedy, the leader of a primary political opposition called for an urgent pause in the building and running of all comparable projects.
This pause was proposed while awaiting a thorough technical review. The party stated that the loss of life "calls for prompt explanations."
In reply, the president asserted that the train had been operating in complete adherence to all security protocols. Assurances were given that the government would be "accountable" in both the development and running of these strategic initiatives.
