A deadly railway accident in the southern state of Oaxaca has claimed the lives of at least 13 people, an incident sure to fuel censure from critics regarding the rapidity and handling of the country's major public works projects.
The accident took place on the trans-isthmus railway, a route constructed to join the Atlantic Ocean and Pacific Ocean across the thinnest stretch of the Isthmus of Tehuantepec. This project was designed to establish an different freight railway path to the Panama Canal, intended to promote commercial progress in the area.
“We will thoroughly investigate what caused this incident,” stated the head of state.
The president announced that, of the around 250 passengers on board, another 98 were injured, with five of those in grave condition. The leader noted plans to go to Oaxaca to meet those involved.
Major Initiative of Previous Administration
The Interoceanic Train was a central public works project of the former leader, whose term finished the previous year. This venture was a hallmark of his administration's economic vision for the southeastern region.
Another multi-billion dollar rail project from that period, a tourist and cargo loop around the Yucatán Peninsula, was also integral to the wider plan to revitalize the economic fortunes of a historically poorer part of the country.
Construction Oversight and Safety Concerns
The development of both train projects was managed by the army, marking a notable increase of its responsibilities in national projects. They were built at an rapid speed, beating expectations to be at least partly opened before the end of that government.
However, this fast-paced schedule had concurrently raised significant questions over safety standards.
- Sunday's crash was the third occurrence on the Interoceanic Train in the current year.
- This involves an prior accident this month when a train struck a truck at a crossing.
- The other major rail project has also had several non-deadly derailments.
Appeals for Audit and Pause
In the wake of the disaster, the leader of a major opposition party urged an prompt pause in the construction and operation of all similar projects.
This stoppage was requested while awaiting a comprehensive technical review. The party emphasized that the situation "calls for immediate answers."
In reaction, the national leader maintained that the train had been functioning in complete compliance with all safety requirements. Assurances were given that the government would continue to be "diligent" in both the development and management of these strategic projects.
