A fatal railway accident in the southern state of Oaxaca has claimed the lives of at least 13 people, an incident likely to revive opposition criticisms regarding the speed and handling of the country's key government projects.
The crash occurred on the trans-isthmus railway, a rail link built to join the Atlantic Ocean and Pacific Ocean across the narrowest part of the Isthmus of Tehuantepec. This project was created to provide an competing rail corridor to the Panama Canal, intended to promote regional growth in the area.
“We shall rigorously clarify what caused this accident,” affirmed the national leader.
The leader announced that, of the some 250 people on board, another 98 were injured, with five of those in serious condition. The president noted plans to go to Oaxaca to meet those affected.
Major Initiative of Previous Administration
The Interoceanic Train was a central infrastructure project of the immediate past president, whose presidency concluded the year before. This venture was closely associated with his leadership's economic goals for the southern region.
Another multi-billion dollar rail project from that time, a passenger and freight circuit around the Yucatán Peninsula, was also integral to the comprehensive effort to kickstart the economy of a comparatively disadvantaged part of the country.
Building Management and Worries
The development of both train projects was supervised by the nation's military, marking a notable growth of its duties in public infrastructure. They were executed at an accelerated pace, surpassing expectations to be at least partly launched before the end of that government.
However, this rushed timetable had simultaneously raised persistent concerns over construction quality.
- Sunday's derailment was the third occurrence on the Interoceanic Train this year.
- This includes an previous crash this month when a train smashed into a truck at a railroad crossing.
- The other major rail project has also experienced a couple of non-deadly derailments.
Demands for Audit and Pause
In the aftermath of the catastrophe, the chief of a key rival party called for an immediate pause in the building and running of all such projects.
This stoppage was requested pending a thorough technical review. The party declared that the loss of life "calls for immediate answers."
In reaction, the president insisted that the train had been running in complete compliance with all safety requirements. Promises were given that the government would remain "responsible" in both the construction and operation of these vital undertakings.
