A deadly train crash in the southern state of Oaxaca has claimed the lives of at least 13 people, an incident expected to reignite opposition criticisms regarding the speed and handling of the country's major public works projects.
The accident took place on the trans-isthmus railway, a route constructed to join the Atlantic Ocean and Pacific across the slenderest section of the Isthmus of Tehuantepec. This initiative was designed to establish an competing rail corridor to the Panama Canal, with the goal of spurring economic development in the area.
“We will thoroughly investigate what caused this accident,” stated the country's president.
The official confirmed that, of the some 250 individuals on board, another 98 were hurt, with five of those in grave condition. The official added plans to go to Oaxaca to speak with those impacted.
Flagship Project of Former Government
The Interoceanic Train was a signature infrastructure project of the immediate past president, whose presidency ended the year before. This rail line was a hallmark of his administration's strategic goals for the southeastern region.
Another massive rail project from that era, a tourist and cargo loop around the Yucatán Peninsula, was also part of the comprehensive effort 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 overseen by the army, marking a significant increase of its responsibilities in public infrastructure. They were completed at an fast-tracked speed, defying forecasts to be at least partly launched before the end of that government.
However, this rushed timetable had also sparked significant apprehensions over construction quality.
- Sunday's crash was the third such incident on the Interoceanic Train within the past twelve months.
- This includes an earlier accident this month when a train struck a truck at a railroad crossing.
- The other major rail project has also had a couple of non-lethal derailments.
Demands for Investigation and Halt
In the aftermath of the disaster, the chief of a major opposition party called for an urgent pause in the construction and operation of all such projects.
This pause was suggested pending a thorough independent investigation. The party stated that the situation "demands immediate answers."
In reaction, the president insisted that the train had been functioning in complete accordance with all security protocols. Assurances were given that the government would remain "diligent" in both the construction and running of these vital initiatives.
