A fatal train crash in the southern state of Oaxaca has caused the fatalities of at least 13 people, an incident likely to revive opposition criticisms regarding the speed and management of the country's flagship public works projects.
The disaster happened on the Interoceanic Corridor train, a route constructed to connect the Atlantic Ocean and Pacific Ocean across the slenderest section of the Isthmus of Tehuantepec. This project was created to offer an competing rail corridor to the Panama Canal, intended to promote commercial progress in the area.
“We shall meticulously determine the cause of this tragedy,” declared the head of state.
The president reported that, of the some 250 individuals on board, another 98 were injured, with five of those in grave condition. The official added plans to go to Oaxaca to confer with those involved.
Major Initiative of Past Leadership
The Interoceanic Train was a signature infrastructure project of the immediate past president, whose presidency concluded the prior year. This rail line was a hallmark of his administration's economic agenda for the southeastern region.
Another multi-billion dollar train initiative from that period, a passenger and freight circuit around the Yucatán Peninsula, was also integral to the wider plan to revitalize the economy of a relatively less developed part of the country.
Construction Oversight and Worries
The building of both train projects was supervised by the armed forces, marking a dramatic growth of its duties in civilian projects. They were built at an fast-tracked pace, defying expectations to be partially inaugurated before the end of that administration.
However, this rushed timetable had simultaneously raised significant concerns over construction quality.
- Sunday's crash was the third such incident on the Interoceanic Train this year.
- This includes an previous crash this month when a train hit a truck at a crossing.
- The other major rail project has also seen two non-deadly derailments.
Demands for Investigation and Halt
In the wake of the disaster, the head of a primary political opposition called for an urgent pause in the building and running of all such projects.
This halt was suggested while awaiting a comprehensive safety audit. The party emphasized that the tragedy "demands prompt explanations."
In reply, the head of state asserted that the train had been running in full compliance with all security protocols. Commitments were given that the government would remain "responsible" in both the development and running of these strategic initiatives.
