A fatal train derailment in the southern state of Oaxaca has caused the fatalities of at least 13 people, an incident sure to fuel censure from critics regarding the rapidity and management of the country's flagship public works projects.
The accident happened on the trans-isthmus railway, a rail link constructed to link the Atlantic and Pacific Ocean across the narrowest part of the Isthmus of Tehuantepec. This project was intended to provide an competing rail corridor to the Panama Canal, aimed at driving commercial progress in the area.
“We will meticulously determine the reasons behind this accident,” stated the national leader.
The president confirmed that, of the some 250 people on board, another 98 were injured, with five of those in serious condition. The president added plans to travel to Oaxaca to meet those involved.
Key Undertaking of Previous Administration
The Interoceanic Train was a cornerstone development scheme of the former leader, whose term finished the previous year. This project was intimately linked to his government's developmental goals for the southeastern region.
Another massive train initiative from that period, a passenger and freight circuit around the Yucatán Peninsula, was also integral to the wider plan to stimulate the economy of a historically disadvantaged part of the country.
Building Management and Risks Apprehensions
The development of both rail lines was supervised by the armed forces, marking a notable increase of its role in public infrastructure. They were executed at an accelerated speed, beating predictions to be partially launched before the end of that government.
However, this rushed timetable had also raised ongoing concerns over operational security.
- Sunday's crash was the third such incident on the Interoceanic Train in the current year.
- This includes an previous crash this month when a train hit a truck at a railroad crossing.
- The other major rail project has also seen a couple of non-deadly derailments.
Demands for Review and Suspension
In the wake of the catastrophe, the head of a major opposition party urged an urgent halt in the development and management of all comparable projects.
This halt was requested while awaiting a comprehensive independent investigation. The party declared that the loss of life "demands immediate answers."
In reaction, the national leader maintained that the train had been running in total adherence to all operational standards. Commitments were given that the government would be "diligent" in both the development and running of these strategic undertakings.
