A fatal train derailment in the southern state of Oaxaca has claimed the lives of at least 13 people, an incident likely to revive opposition criticisms regarding the speed and handling of the country's flagship infrastructure initiatives.
The accident took place on the Interoceanic Corridor train, a rail link built to link the Atlantic Ocean and Pacific across the narrowest part of the Isthmus of Tehuantepec. This project was intended to offer an different freight railway path to the Panama Canal, with the goal of spurring regional growth in the area.
“We shall thoroughly investigate the cause of this tragedy,” stated the country's president.
The leader announced that, of the approximately 250 people on board, another 98 were hurt, with five of those in serious condition. The leader stated plans to travel to Oaxaca to speak with those involved.
Major Initiative of Former Government
The Interoceanic Train was a central infrastructure project of the immediate past president, whose presidency ended the prior year. This project was intimately linked to his leadership's strategic agenda for the southeastern region.
Another multi-billion dollar railway undertaking from that time, a tourist and cargo loop around the Yucatán Peninsula, was also part of the wider plan to kickstart the economic fortunes of a relatively poorer part of the country.
Building Management and Risks Apprehensions
The development of both railway systems was managed by the army, marking a significant increase of its role in public works. They were built at an fast-tracked speed, beating predictions to be at least partly opened before the end of that administration.
However, this accelerated timeline had simultaneously sparked persistent questions over construction quality.
- Sunday's crash was the third such incident on the Interoceanic Train within the past twelve months.
- This involves an prior crash this month when a train struck a truck at a crossing.
- The other major rail project has also seen a couple of non-deadly derailments.
Appeals for Investigation and Halt
In the aftermath of the catastrophe, the leader of a primary political opposition called for an prompt pause in the development and management of all comparable projects.
This halt was suggested pending a thorough safety audit. The party emphasized that the situation "demands immediate answers."
In response, the president maintained that the train had been running in complete accordance with all safety requirements. Commitments were given that the government would remain "diligent" in both the development and management of these national projects.
