A tragic train crash in the southern state of Oaxaca has resulted in the deaths of at least 13 people, an incident likely to revive opposition criticisms regarding the speed and handling of the country's major government projects.
The accident happened on the Interoceanic Train, a rail link developed to join the Atlantic Ocean and Pacific across the slenderest section of the Isthmus of Tehuantepec. This project was created to offer an competing rail corridor to the Panama Canal, aimed at driving commercial progress in the area.
“We are going to meticulously determine the reasons behind this tragedy,” affirmed the head of state.
The president confirmed that, of the some 250 passengers on board, another 98 were wounded, with five of those in grave condition. The official noted plans to travel to Oaxaca to confer with those involved.
Flagship Project of Past Leadership
The Interoceanic Train was a signature development scheme of the former leader, whose term concluded the previous year. This rail line was closely associated with his government's economic vision for the southern region.
Another massive train initiative from that time, a tourist and cargo loop around the Yucatán Peninsula, was also part of the comprehensive effort to kickstart the economy of a historically poorer part of the country.
Construction Oversight and Worries
The construction of both railway systems was managed by the nation's military, marking a dramatic increase of its role in civilian projects. They were executed at an fast-tracked pace, beating predictions to be at least partly launched before the end of that presidency.
However, this fast-paced schedule had concurrently sparked significant questions over operational security.
- Sunday's crash was the third occurrence on the Interoceanic Train in the current year.
- This involves an earlier crash this month when a train hit a truck at a railroad crossing.
- The other major rail project has also seen several non-deadly derailments.
Demands for Review and Suspension
In the wake of the disaster, the chief of a key rival party demanded an prompt halt in the building and running of all similar projects.
This pause was suggested until the completion of a thorough safety audit. The party emphasized that the loss of life "calls for prompt explanations."
In reply, the national leader maintained that the train had been running in total accordance with all safety requirements. Commitments were given that the government would continue to be "accountable" in both the construction and operation of these national projects.
