A deadly train crash in the southern state of Oaxaca has caused the fatalities of at least 13 people, an incident expected to reignite critical opposition regarding the pace and management of the country's major infrastructure initiatives.
The accident took place on the Interoceanic Train, a line built to join the Atlantic and Pacific Ocean across the slenderest section of the Isthmus of Tehuantepec. This project was designed to provide an alternative rail cargo route to the Panama Canal, aimed at driving regional growth in the area.
“We will thoroughly investigate what caused this accident,” affirmed the country's president.
The president reported that, of the some 250 passengers on board, another 98 were hurt, with five of those in critical condition. The leader stated plans to go to Oaxaca to speak with those impacted.
Key Undertaking of Previous Administration
The Interoceanic Train was a central infrastructure project of the immediate past president, whose time in office concluded the previous year. This project was a hallmark of his leadership's developmental goals 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 comprehensive effort to kickstart the economy of a comparatively less developed part of the country.
Building Management and Safety Concerns
The development of both rail lines was supervised by the nation's military, marking a dramatic growth of its responsibilities in public projects. They were built at an accelerated rate, defying forecasts to be partially opened before the end of that government.
However, this rushed timetable had also sparked persistent questions over safety standards.
- Sunday's derailment was the third such incident on the Interoceanic Train this year.
- This includes an previous accident this month when a train hit a truck at a crossing.
- The other major rail project has also had several non-deadly derailments.
Appeals for Investigation and Halt
In the wake of the disaster, the chief of a primary political opposition called for an urgent halt in the building and running of all such projects.
This pause was proposed until the completion of a comprehensive safety audit. The party stated that the situation "calls for prompt explanations."
In response, the president insisted that the train had been functioning in full accordance with all safety requirements. Promises were given that the government would remain "diligent" in both the development and running of these strategic initiatives.
