A tragic train crash in the southern state of Oaxaca has resulted in the deaths of at least 13 people, an incident expected to reignite opposition criticisms regarding the speed and execution of the country's major infrastructure initiatives.
The accident took place on the Interoceanic Corridor train, a line constructed to connect the Atlantic Ocean and Pacific Ocean across the narrowest part of the Isthmus of Tehuantepec. This endeavor was intended to provide an alternative rail cargo route to the Panama Canal, with the goal of spurring commercial progress in the area.
“We will thoroughly investigate the cause of this incident,” affirmed the national leader.
The president reported that, of the approximately 250 people on board, another 98 were hurt, with five of those in critical condition. The president added plans to visit Oaxaca to meet those impacted.
Flagship Project of Former Government
The Interoceanic Train was a signature development scheme of the immediate past president, whose term ended the prior year. This project was a hallmark of his government's developmental goals for the southern region.
Another multi-billion dollar train initiative from that time, a passenger and freight circuit around the Yucatán Peninsula, was also central to the broader strategy to revitalize the economic fortunes of a relatively less developed part of the country.
Project Execution and Worries
The building of both railway systems was managed by the armed forces, marking a significant increase of its duties in national works. They were executed at an accelerated speed, defying expectations to be partially inaugurated before the end of that presidency.
However, this fast-paced schedule had also raised persistent questions over construction quality.
- Sunday's accident was the third event on the Interoceanic Train this year.
- This includes an previous accident this month when a train smashed into a truck at a level crossing.
- The other major rail project has also experienced two non-lethal derailments.
Demands for Review and Suspension
In the aftermath of the tragedy, the leader of a major opposition party urged an immediate halt in the development and management of all similar projects.
This halt was proposed pending a full safety audit. The party emphasized that the tragedy "demands prompt explanations."
In reply, the national leader insisted that the train had been running in total compliance with all safety requirements. Commitments were given that the government would be "accountable" in both the development and operation of these strategic initiatives.
