A deadly railway accident in the southern state of Oaxaca has caused the fatalities of at least 13 people, an incident sure to fuel censure from critics regarding the rapidity and handling of the country's flagship infrastructure initiatives.
The accident happened on the Interoceanic Corridor train, a line developed to link 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, intended to promote regional growth in the area.
“We are going to thoroughly investigate the reasons behind this accident,” stated the head of state.
The president confirmed that, of the some 250 individuals on board, another 98 were wounded, with five of those in critical condition. The official stated plans to travel to Oaxaca to confer with those affected.
Key Undertaking of Past Leadership
The Interoceanic Train was a signature public works project of the immediate past president, whose time in office concluded the year before. This rail line was a hallmark of his administration's economic agenda for the southern region.
Another massive railway undertaking from that time, a passenger and freight circuit around the Yucatán Peninsula, was also part of the wider plan to stimulate the economy of a historically disadvantaged part of the country.
Building Management and Worries
The construction of both train projects was supervised by the armed forces, marking a notable expansion of its responsibilities in public projects. They were completed at an accelerated pace, defying expectations to be at least partly launched before the end of that government.
However, this rushed timetable had also raised persistent apprehensions over safety standards.
- Sunday's accident was the third occurrence on the Interoceanic Train within the past twelve months.
- This includes an previous crash this month when a train hit 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 wake of the catastrophe, the chief of a primary political opposition demanded an prompt pause in the construction and operation of all such projects.
This pause was requested pending a thorough independent investigation. The party stated that the situation "demands prompt explanations."
In reaction, the president insisted that the train had been running in full adherence to all safety requirements. Promises were given that the government would continue to be "accountable" in both the development and management of these national undertakings.
