A deadly railway accident in the Mexican state of Oaxaca has caused the fatalities of at least 13 people, an incident expected to reignite critical opposition regarding the rapidity and management of the country's flagship government projects.
The accident happened on the Interoceanic Train, a rail link built to link the Atlantic Ocean and Pacific Ocean across the thinnest stretch of the Isthmus of Tehuantepec. This project was intended to offer an different freight railway path to the Panama Canal, intended to promote commercial progress in the area.
“We will rigorously clarify the cause of this accident,” declared the head of state.
The official confirmed that, of the around 250 individuals on board, another 98 were wounded, with five of those in critical condition. The official added plans to go to Oaxaca to meet those impacted.
Major Initiative of Past Leadership
The Interoceanic Train was a signature development scheme of the immediate past president, whose term ended the year before. This venture was a hallmark of his government's economic agenda for the southern region.
Another multi-billion dollar rail project from that period, a passenger and freight circuit around the Yucatán Peninsula, was also part of the comprehensive effort to kickstart the economy of a relatively disadvantaged part of the country.
Building Management and Worries
The building of both train projects was managed by the army, marking a dramatic increase of its role in public infrastructure. They were completed at an fast-tracked pace, defying forecasts to be at least partly launched before the end of that government.
However, this fast-paced schedule had also fueled persistent concerns over construction quality.
- Sunday's derailment was the third event on the Interoceanic Train in the current year.
- This involves an prior accident this month when a train smashed into a truck at a level crossing.
- The other major rail project has also had a couple of non-fatal derailments.
Calls for Review and Suspension
In the wake of the disaster, the head of a major opposition party demanded an immediate suspension in the construction and operation of all comparable projects.
This halt was proposed until the completion of a full technical review. The party emphasized that the tragedy "demands prompt explanations."
In response, the national leader insisted that the train had been functioning in complete adherence to all safety requirements. Assurances were given that the government would continue to be "accountable" in both the development and operation of these strategic undertakings.
