A fatal train crash 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 management of the country's key public works projects.
The disaster occurred on the Interoceanic Train, a route built to join the Atlantic Ocean and Pacific Ocean across the slenderest section of the Isthmus of Tehuantepec. This endeavor was intended to provide an competing rail corridor to the Panama Canal, with the goal of spurring regional growth in the area.
“We shall thoroughly investigate what caused this incident,” declared the head of state.
The leader announced that, of the some 250 individuals on board, another 98 were injured, with five of those in serious condition. The official stated plans to go to Oaxaca to meet those affected.
Flagship Project of Previous Administration
The Interoceanic Train was a signature development scheme of the immediate past president, whose presidency concluded the prior year. This venture was intimately linked to his leadership's economic vision for the southern region.
Another multi-billion dollar railway undertaking from that time, a passenger and freight circuit around the Yucatán Peninsula, was also part of the wider plan to kickstart the economy of a comparatively poorer part of the country.
Project Execution and Worries
The building of both railway systems was supervised by the army, marking a dramatic expansion of its responsibilities in national infrastructure. They were built at an accelerated speed, surpassing forecasts to be partially opened before the end of that government.
However, this rushed timetable had simultaneously raised significant concerns over construction quality.
- Sunday's crash was the third such incident on the Interoceanic Train in the current year.
- This involves an previous crash this month when a train struck a truck at a railroad crossing.
- The other major rail project has also seen two non-deadly derailments.
Calls for Audit and Pause
In the aftermath of the tragedy, the head of a major opposition party called for an urgent suspension in the building and running of all comparable projects.
This stoppage was requested until the completion of a thorough independent investigation. The party stated that the loss of life "demands prompt explanations."
In reaction, the national leader asserted that the train had been operating in complete compliance with all security protocols. Commitments were given that the government would be "diligent" in both the development and operation of these strategic initiatives.
