A deadly train crash in the southern state of Oaxaca has resulted in the deaths of at least 13 people, an incident likely to revive censure from critics regarding the rapidity and management of the country's major public works projects.
The crash took place on the Interoceanic Corridor train, a rail link developed to link the Atlantic Ocean and Pacific across the thinnest stretch of the Isthmus of Tehuantepec. This project was created to provide an alternative rail cargo route to the Panama Canal, with the goal of spurring economic development in the area.
“We are going to meticulously determine what caused this incident,” declared the country's president.
The leader reported that, of the approximately 250 passengers on board, another 98 were hurt, with five of those in critical condition. The president added plans to travel to Oaxaca to confer with those involved.
Flagship Project of Past Leadership
The Interoceanic Train was a signature infrastructure project of the immediate past president, whose time in office finished the previous year. This venture was closely associated with his government's strategic goals for the southeastern region.
Another multi-billion dollar railway undertaking from that period, a passenger and freight circuit around the Yucatán Peninsula, was also central to the wider plan to kickstart the economic fortunes of a historically less developed part of the country.
Building Management and Worries
The building of both railway systems was supervised by the nation's military, marking a dramatic growth of its role in national projects. They were executed at an accelerated rate, surpassing predictions to be at least partly opened before the end of that administration.
However, this rushed timetable had simultaneously fueled ongoing questions over safety standards.
- Sunday's accident was the third such incident on the Interoceanic Train this year.
- This includes an earlier accident this month when a train hit a truck at a crossing.
- The other major rail project has also seen several non-fatal derailments.
Appeals for Investigation and Halt
In the aftermath of the disaster, the leader of a key rival party urged an prompt suspension in the construction and operation of all similar projects.
This halt was requested pending a comprehensive technical review. The party stated that the situation "requires prompt explanations."
In response, the head of state asserted that the train had been functioning in total accordance with all security protocols. Commitments were given that the government would continue to be "responsible" in both the development and management of these vital undertakings.
