A deadly train crash in the southern state of Oaxaca has resulted in the deaths of at least 13 people, an incident sure to fuel opposition criticisms regarding the rapidity and handling of the country's flagship infrastructure initiatives.
The crash occurred on the trans-isthmus railway, a rail link built to join the Atlantic and Pacific Ocean across the thinnest stretch of the Isthmus of Tehuantepec. This project was intended to provide an alternative rail cargo route to the Panama Canal, aimed at driving economic development in the area.
“We will meticulously determine what caused this tragedy,” affirmed the country's president.
The president confirmed that, of the around 250 individuals on board, another 98 were hurt, with five of those in grave condition. The president stated plans to go to Oaxaca to meet those affected.
Key Undertaking of Former Government
The Interoceanic Train was a central infrastructure project of the former leader, whose term finished the previous year. This venture was intimately linked to his leadership's developmental agenda for the southern region.
Another ambitious train initiative from that period, a tourist and cargo loop around the Yucatán Peninsula, was also part of the wider plan to revitalize the economic fortunes of a relatively less developed part of the country.
Construction Oversight and Safety Concerns
The construction of both train projects was overseen by the armed forces, marking a notable increase of its responsibilities in civilian infrastructure. They were built at an fast-tracked speed, surpassing predictions to be at least partly opened before the end of that presidency.
However, this fast-paced schedule had also raised significant apprehensions over construction quality.
- Sunday's derailment was the third occurrence on the Interoceanic Train this year.
- This includes an earlier crash this month when a train smashed into a truck at a level crossing.
- The other major rail project has also seen a couple of non-lethal derailments.
Demands for Investigation and Halt
In the aftermath of the tragedy, the leader of a primary political opposition called for an urgent suspension in the development and management of all such projects.
This pause was requested until the completion of a thorough independent investigation. The party declared that the tragedy "requires swift accountability."
In response, the national leader asserted that the train had been running in complete compliance with all security protocols. Promises were given that the government would continue to be "accountable" in both the development and running of these strategic undertakings.
