A deadly train crash in the southern state of Oaxaca has claimed the lives of at least 13 people, an incident sure to fuel censure from critics regarding the speed and management of the country's major infrastructure initiatives.
The accident took place on the Interoceanic Train, 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 offer an competing rail corridor to the Panama Canal, with the goal of spurring economic development in the area.
“We will thoroughly investigate the cause of this incident,” declared the country's president.
The president reported that, of the approximately 250 passengers on board, another 98 were hurt, with five of those in grave condition. The official noted plans to visit Oaxaca to confer with those involved.
Major Initiative of Previous Administration
The Interoceanic Train was a central infrastructure project of the immediate past president, whose term ended the year before. This rail line was a hallmark of his government's developmental goals for the southern region.
Another ambitious train initiative from that period, a tourist and cargo loop around the Yucatán Peninsula, was also central to the comprehensive effort to revitalize the economy of a comparatively disadvantaged part of the country.
Construction Oversight and Worries
The building of both train projects was supervised by the armed forces, marking a notable increase of its responsibilities in national projects. They were completed at an rapid speed, beating forecasts to be partially inaugurated before the end of that administration.
However, this rushed timetable had also fueled persistent concerns over safety standards.
- Sunday's derailment was the third occurrence on the Interoceanic Train this year.
- This includes an earlier crash this month when a train hit a truck at a crossing.
- The other major rail project has also experienced two non-deadly derailments.
Calls for Investigation and Halt
In the aftermath of the tragedy, the leader of a major opposition party demanded an urgent halt in the construction and operation of all comparable projects.
This stoppage was suggested until the completion of a comprehensive independent investigation. The party emphasized that the situation "calls for swift accountability."
In reply, the head of state insisted that the train had been running in total accordance with all safety requirements. Commitments were given that the government would remain "responsible" in both the construction and management of these strategic initiatives.
