A fatal train crash in the southern state of Oaxaca has caused the fatalities of at least 13 people, an incident likely to revive critical opposition regarding the rapidity and handling of the country's key public works projects.
The accident happened on the trans-isthmus railway, a route constructed to connect the Atlantic Ocean and Pacific Ocean across the slenderest section of the Isthmus of Tehuantepec. This endeavor was created to provide an alternative rail cargo route to the Panama Canal, with the goal of spurring economic development in the area.
“We will meticulously determine what caused this accident,” affirmed the head of state.
The president reported that, of the some 250 individuals on board, another 98 were injured, with five of those in critical condition. The official noted plans to go to Oaxaca to confer with those affected.
Key Undertaking of Past Leadership
The Interoceanic Train was a central development scheme of the previous administration, whose presidency finished the prior year. This project was closely associated with his government's developmental goals for the southern region.
Another multi-billion dollar rail project from that time, a tourist and cargo loop around the Yucatán Peninsula, was also central to the wider plan to stimulate the economy of a comparatively disadvantaged part of the country.
Project Execution and Safety Concerns
The development of both train projects was overseen by the armed forces, marking a significant increase of its role in public projects. They were built at an rapid pace, defying forecasts to be at least partly opened before the end of that administration.
However, this accelerated timeline had concurrently fueled significant concerns over operational security.
- Sunday's crash was the third event on the Interoceanic Train in the current year.
- This includes an previous accident this month when a train smashed into a truck at a crossing.
- The other major rail project has also experienced several non-deadly derailments.
Demands for Investigation and Halt
In the aftermath of the catastrophe, the leader of a primary political opposition demanded an immediate halt in the construction and operation of all such projects.
This halt was proposed pending a full independent investigation. The party stated that the loss of life "requires prompt explanations."
In reply, the president maintained that the train had been running in total accordance with all security protocols. Assurances were given that the government would continue to be "responsible" in both the construction and operation of these national projects.
