A deadly train crash in the southern state of Oaxaca has caused the fatalities of at least 13 people, an incident sure to fuel censure from critics regarding the speed and handling of the country's major public works projects.
The accident took place on the trans-isthmus railway, a route built to connect the Atlantic Ocean and Pacific Ocean across the thinnest stretch of the Isthmus of Tehuantepec. This project was created to provide an alternative rail cargo route to the Panama Canal, aimed at driving commercial progress in the area.
“We will thoroughly investigate the cause of this incident,” affirmed the head of state.
The leader confirmed that, of the some 250 passengers on board, another 98 were hurt, with five of those in serious condition. The president noted plans to travel to Oaxaca to meet those impacted.
Major Initiative of Former Government
The Interoceanic Train was a central development scheme of the immediate past president, whose term ended the prior year. This rail line was closely associated with his administration's economic agenda for the southeastern region.
Another multi-billion dollar rail project from that time, a passenger and freight circuit around the Yucatán Peninsula, was also central to the broader strategy to stimulate the economic fortunes of a historically disadvantaged part of the country.
Construction Oversight and Worries
The development of both rail lines was overseen by the nation's military, marking a dramatic growth of its responsibilities in national works. They were completed at an accelerated speed, beating forecasts to be at least partly opened before the end of that government.
However, this accelerated timeline had simultaneously fueled persistent apprehensions over safety standards.
- Sunday's accident was the third such incident on the Interoceanic Train in the current year.
- This involves an prior crash this month when a train struck a truck at a crossing.
- The other major rail project has also had a couple of non-lethal derailments.
Demands for Review and Suspension
In the aftermath of the catastrophe, the head of a major opposition party called for an immediate halt in the construction and operation of all comparable projects.
This halt was requested until the completion of a comprehensive safety audit. The party emphasized that the situation "calls for prompt explanations."
In reaction, the head of state insisted that the train had been operating in complete compliance with all operational standards. Commitments were given that the government would be "diligent" in both the construction and management of these strategic projects.
