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 rapidity and handling of the country's flagship government projects.
The accident happened on the Interoceanic Corridor train, a line constructed to connect the Atlantic Ocean and Pacific across the narrowest part of the Isthmus of Tehuantepec. This project was intended to establish an alternative rail cargo route to the Panama Canal, aimed at driving economic development in the area.
“We will thoroughly investigate what caused this accident,” stated the country's president.
The president reported that, of the around 250 people on board, another 98 were wounded, with five of those in serious condition. The president added plans to go to Oaxaca to meet those involved.
Key Undertaking of Former Government
The Interoceanic Train was a central development scheme of the immediate past president, whose time in office concluded the year before. This project was a hallmark of his administration's developmental goals for the southeastern region.
Another massive railway undertaking from that time, a tourist and cargo loop around the Yucatán Peninsula, was also central to the wider plan to stimulate the economic fortunes of a historically less developed part of the country.
Project Execution and Safety Concerns
The development of both train projects was managed by the nation's military, marking a dramatic increase of its responsibilities in national projects. They were built at an fast-tracked rate, beating expectations to be partially inaugurated before the end of that presidency.
However, this accelerated timeline had also fueled significant concerns over safety standards.
- Sunday's derailment was the third event on the Interoceanic Train within the past twelve months.
- This includes an earlier accident this month when a train hit a truck at a railroad crossing.
- The other major rail project has also experienced several non-deadly derailments.
Calls for Investigation and Halt
In the aftermath of the catastrophe, the head of a major opposition party called for an immediate pause in the development and management of all similar projects.
This stoppage was proposed until the completion of a thorough technical review. The party stated that the tragedy "demands prompt explanations."
In response, the national leader maintained that the train had been running in complete compliance with all operational standards. Assurances were given that the government would remain "diligent" in both the construction and management of these strategic undertakings.
