A tragic railway accident in the southern state of Oaxaca has resulted in the deaths of at least 13 people, an incident sure to fuel opposition criticisms regarding the speed and handling of the country's major public works projects.
The crash happened on the Interoceanic Train, a rail link built to link the Atlantic Ocean and Pacific across the slenderest section of the Isthmus of Tehuantepec. This initiative was intended to provide an competing rail corridor to the Panama Canal, intended to promote regional growth in the area.
“We are going to rigorously clarify what caused this accident,” affirmed the head of state.
The official confirmed that, of the approximately 250 individuals on board, another 98 were hurt, with five of those in critical condition. The leader added plans to visit Oaxaca to confer with those affected.
Key Undertaking of Past Leadership
The Interoceanic Train was a signature development scheme of the immediate past president, whose time in office finished the year before. This project was intimately linked to his government's strategic agenda for the southeastern region.
Another massive rail project from that time, a tourist and cargo loop around the Yucatán Peninsula, was also part of the broader strategy to kickstart the economy of a relatively poorer part of the country.
Construction Oversight and Worries
The building of both train projects was overseen by the army, marking a significant increase of its role in civilian works. They were completed at an rapid pace, beating expectations to be at least partly opened before the end of that presidency.
However, this fast-paced schedule had simultaneously fueled ongoing concerns over construction quality.
- Sunday's derailment was the third event on the Interoceanic Train this year.
- This includes an prior crash this month when a train smashed into a truck at a crossing.
- The other major rail project has also experienced a couple of non-fatal derailments.
Appeals for Review and Suspension
In the aftermath of the tragedy, the leader of a primary political opposition demanded an urgent halt in the development and management of all such projects.
This halt was requested pending a comprehensive safety audit. The party stated that the situation "calls for swift accountability."
In response, the national leader insisted that the train had been functioning in complete compliance with all safety requirements. Promises were given that the government would be "diligent" in both the development and management of these vital undertakings.
