A tragic railway accident 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 speed and handling of the country's flagship public works projects.
The crash happened on the Interoceanic Train, a line built to join the Atlantic Ocean and Pacific Ocean across the slenderest section of the Isthmus of Tehuantepec. This endeavor was created to provide an different freight railway path to the Panama Canal, aimed at driving commercial progress in the area.
“We are going to thoroughly investigate what caused this incident,” stated the head of state.
The president announced that, of the approximately 250 individuals on board, another 98 were wounded, with five of those in critical condition. The leader added plans to go to Oaxaca to confer with those involved.
Major Initiative of Former Government
The Interoceanic Train was a signature public works project of the former leader, whose presidency concluded the prior year. This rail line was a hallmark of his leadership's developmental agenda for the southeastern region.
Another multi-billion dollar rail project from that era, a passenger and freight circuit around the Yucatán Peninsula, was also part of the wider plan to kickstart the economic fortunes of a relatively poorer part of the country.
Project Execution and Safety Concerns
The construction of both railway systems was supervised by the army, marking a dramatic increase of its role in national works. They were executed at an accelerated pace, surpassing forecasts to be at least partly inaugurated before the end of that administration.
However, this rushed timetable had also sparked persistent apprehensions over safety standards.
- Sunday's crash was the third such incident on the Interoceanic Train this year.
- This includes an previous collision this month when a train hit a truck at a level crossing.
- The other major rail project has also seen several non-deadly derailments.
Demands for Investigation and Halt
In the aftermath of the tragedy, the leader of a primary political opposition called for an prompt pause in the development and management of all such projects.
This halt was suggested pending a comprehensive independent investigation. The party emphasized that the tragedy "demands immediate answers."
In response, the president maintained that the train had been operating in total accordance with all safety requirements. Commitments were given that the government would be "diligent" in both the development and running of these vital undertakings.
