A deadly train crash 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 execution of the country's flagship infrastructure initiatives.
The accident happened on the Interoceanic Corridor train, a line built to join the Atlantic and Pacific Ocean across the narrowest part of the Isthmus of Tehuantepec. This initiative was designed to offer an competing rail corridor to the Panama Canal, intended to promote regional growth in the area.
“We shall thoroughly investigate the cause of this tragedy,” affirmed the head of state.
The president announced that, of the approximately 250 people on board, another 98 were hurt, with five of those in serious condition. The president noted plans to visit Oaxaca to confer with those involved.
Major Initiative of Past Leadership
The Interoceanic Train was a signature public works project of the former leader, whose term concluded the previous year. This project was closely associated with his administration's strategic goals for the southern region.
Another ambitious train initiative from that period, a tourist and cargo loop around the Yucatán Peninsula, was also central to the broader strategy to kickstart the economic fortunes of a historically less developed part of the country.
Building Management and Risks Apprehensions
The development of both rail lines was supervised by the army, marking a notable growth of its duties in public infrastructure. They were built at an rapid speed, beating predictions to be at least partly inaugurated before the end of that presidency.
However, this rushed timetable had concurrently fueled ongoing concerns over safety standards.
- Sunday's derailment was the third occurrence on the Interoceanic Train in the current year.
- This involves an earlier crash this month when a train smashed into a truck at a railroad crossing.
- The other major rail project has also had several non-lethal derailments.
Demands for Investigation and Halt
In the aftermath of the tragedy, the chief of a major opposition party demanded an urgent halt in the building and running of all comparable projects.
This halt was proposed while awaiting a comprehensive independent investigation. The party stated that the tragedy "requires immediate answers."
In reply, the head of state maintained that the train had been operating in full adherence to all security protocols. Promises were given that the government would continue to be "accountable" in both the construction and operation of these vital projects.
