A fatal train crash in the Mexican state of Oaxaca has resulted in the deaths of at least 13 people, an incident likely to revive opposition criticisms regarding the rapidity and management of the country's flagship infrastructure initiatives.
The accident happened on the Interoceanic Corridor train, a route constructed to join the Atlantic Ocean and Pacific across the thinnest stretch of the Isthmus of Tehuantepec. This initiative was intended to establish an different freight railway path to the Panama Canal, intended to promote economic development in the area.
“We will thoroughly investigate what caused this accident,” stated the head of state.
The official confirmed that, of the around 250 passengers on board, another 98 were hurt, with five of those in critical condition. The president added plans to visit Oaxaca to speak with those involved.
Key Undertaking of Past Leadership
The Interoceanic Train was a central development scheme of the immediate past president, whose presidency finished the prior year. This project was closely associated with his administration's economic goals for the southeastern region.
Another multi-billion dollar rail project from that period, a passenger and freight circuit around the Yucatán Peninsula, was also part of the wider plan to stimulate the economic fortunes of a comparatively disadvantaged part of the country.
Construction Oversight and Worries
The building of both railway systems was managed by the armed forces, marking a significant growth of its role in national works. They were executed at an fast-tracked rate, defying forecasts to be partially opened before the end of that government.
However, this fast-paced schedule had concurrently sparked persistent apprehensions over construction quality.
- Sunday's accident was the third such incident on the Interoceanic Train in the current year.
- This involves an previous collision this month when a train hit a truck at a level crossing.
- The other major rail project has also experienced a couple of non-fatal derailments.
Demands for Audit and Pause
In the aftermath of the catastrophe, the head of a primary political opposition called for an urgent halt in the construction and operation of all comparable projects.
This pause was suggested while awaiting a comprehensive independent investigation. The party declared that the loss of life "demands swift accountability."
In reply, the head of state insisted that the train had been functioning in complete adherence to all safety requirements. Assurances were given that the government would continue to be "accountable" in both the development and running of these national projects.