A deadly train crash in the southern state of Oaxaca has caused the fatalities of at least 13 people, an incident expected to reignite opposition criticisms regarding the pace and execution of the country's flagship public works projects.
The crash happened on the Interoceanic Train, a rail link constructed to connect the Atlantic and Pacific across the thinnest stretch of the Isthmus of Tehuantepec. This endeavor was created to establish an different freight railway path to the Panama Canal, with the goal of spurring economic development in the area.
“We are going to rigorously clarify the cause of this accident,” stated the national leader.
The president announced that, of the approximately 250 people on board, another 98 were hurt, with five of those in serious condition. The official added plans to go to Oaxaca to confer with those affected.
Flagship Project of Past Leadership
The Interoceanic Train was a central public works project of the immediate past president, whose presidency concluded the prior year. This rail line was a hallmark of his administration's developmental agenda for the southeastern region.
Another multi-billion dollar rail project from that period, a tourist and cargo loop around the Yucatán Peninsula, was also central to the comprehensive effort to stimulate the economic fortunes of a relatively poorer part of the country.
Construction Oversight and Risks Apprehensions
The construction of both railway systems was supervised by the army, marking a dramatic increase of its role in national projects. They were completed at an fast-tracked pace, beating expectations to be partially launched before the end of that government.
However, this rushed timetable had also sparked significant concerns over safety standards.
- Sunday's crash was the third occurrence on the Interoceanic Train in the current year.
- This encompasses an previous crash this month when a train hit a truck at a level crossing.
- The other major rail project has also had a couple of non-fatal derailments.
Appeals for Investigation and Halt
In the wake of the tragedy, the chief of a major opposition party demanded an urgent suspension in the construction and operation of all similar projects.
This halt was requested until the completion of a comprehensive safety audit. The party emphasized that the loss of life "calls for prompt explanations."
In reaction, the national leader insisted that the train had been operating in full accordance with all operational standards. Assurances were given that the government would be "accountable" in both the construction and operation of these national undertakings.
