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 rapidity and management of the country's major public works projects.
The accident took place on the Interoceanic Train, a route built to link the Atlantic Ocean and Pacific across the thinnest stretch of the Isthmus of Tehuantepec. This initiative was intended to establish an different freight railway path to the Panama Canal, intended to promote commercial progress in the area.
“We will meticulously determine the reasons behind this accident,” affirmed the national leader.
The official confirmed that, of the around 250 individuals on board, another 98 were hurt, with five of those in grave condition. The president noted plans to go to Oaxaca to meet those impacted.
Major Initiative of Previous Administration
The Interoceanic Train was a cornerstone development scheme of the previous administration, whose time in office finished the previous year. This project was intimately linked to his administration's developmental goals for the southern region.
Another massive train initiative from that period, a passenger and freight circuit around the Yucatán Peninsula, was also part of the wider plan to stimulate the economic fortunes of a historically less developed part of the country.
Construction Oversight and Worries
The development of both railway systems was supervised by the nation's military, marking a significant growth of its responsibilities in civilian projects. They were built at an fast-tracked rate, surpassing predictions to be partially inaugurated before the end of that presidency.
However, this rushed timetable had simultaneously raised ongoing questions over construction quality.
- Sunday's derailment was the third such incident on the Interoceanic Train in the current year.
- This includes an prior collision this month when a train hit a truck at a railroad crossing.
- The other major rail project has also seen a couple of non-deadly derailments.
Demands for Investigation and Halt
In the aftermath of the tragedy, the leader of a key rival party urged an immediate pause in the development and management of all similar projects.
This pause was proposed while awaiting a thorough independent investigation. The party stated that the situation "requires prompt explanations."
In response, the national leader insisted that the train had been functioning in total accordance with all safety requirements. Assurances were given that the government would be "diligent" in both the construction and running of these vital undertakings.
