A deadly train crash in the southern state of Oaxaca has resulted in the deaths of at least 13 people, an incident likely to revive opposition criticisms regarding the speed and execution of the country's major infrastructure initiatives.
The accident took place on the trans-isthmus railway, a route built to join the Atlantic Ocean and Pacific Ocean across the thinnest stretch of the Isthmus of Tehuantepec. This project was created to provide an competing rail corridor to the Panama Canal, intended to promote regional growth in the area.
“We are going to thoroughly investigate what caused this incident,” affirmed the head of state.
The president confirmed that, of the around 250 passengers on board, another 98 were wounded, with five of those in grave condition. The leader noted plans to visit Oaxaca to meet those affected.
Flagship Project of Former Government
The Interoceanic Train was a signature infrastructure project of the previous administration, whose term ended the previous year. This venture was closely associated with his administration's developmental agenda for the southeastern region.
Another multi-billion dollar train initiative from that period, a tourist and cargo loop around the Yucatán Peninsula, was also part of the broader strategy to stimulate the economy of a relatively less developed 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 national infrastructure. They were completed at an fast-tracked rate, beating predictions to be at least partly launched before the end of that government.
However, this accelerated timeline had also sparked ongoing apprehensions over operational security.
- Sunday's crash was the third occurrence on the Interoceanic Train this year.
- This encompasses an previous accident this month when a train struck a truck at a crossing.
- The other major rail project has also seen two non-deadly derailments.
Calls for Review and Suspension
In the aftermath of the disaster, the leader of a key rival party urged an immediate halt in the building and running of all comparable projects.
This pause was suggested pending a thorough safety audit. The party declared that the tragedy "calls for prompt explanations."
In response, the head of state maintained that the train had been operating in total accordance with all security protocols. Assurances were given that the government would continue to be "accountable" in both the construction and operation of these vital projects.
