A deadly train derailment in the southern state of Oaxaca has claimed the lives of at least 13 people, an incident expected to reignite opposition criticisms regarding the pace and execution of the country's major government projects.
The disaster happened on the Interoceanic Corridor train, a line built to join the Atlantic Ocean and Pacific across the slenderest section of the Isthmus of Tehuantepec. This initiative was intended to provide an alternative rail cargo route to the Panama Canal, intended to promote regional growth in the area.
“We are going to thoroughly investigate the cause of this tragedy,” affirmed the head of state.
The leader announced that, of the around 250 individuals on board, another 98 were hurt, with five of those in serious condition. The president added plans to go to Oaxaca to speak with those impacted.
Major Initiative of Previous Administration
The Interoceanic Train was a signature development scheme of the former leader, whose time in office concluded the prior year. This rail line was intimately linked to his government's strategic agenda for the southeastern region.
Another ambitious rail project from that time, a tourist and cargo loop around the Yucatán Peninsula, was also part of the broader strategy to kickstart the economic fortunes of a comparatively poorer part of the country.
Construction Oversight and Worries
The building of both train projects was managed by the armed forces, marking a dramatic growth of its role in public works. They were built at an fast-tracked rate, surpassing expectations to be at least partly opened before the end of that presidency.
However, this accelerated timeline had simultaneously raised ongoing apprehensions over construction quality.
- Sunday's accident was the third event on the Interoceanic Train in the current year.
- This involves an earlier accident this month when a train struck a truck at a railroad crossing.
- The other major rail project has also seen a couple of non-fatal derailments.
Calls for Audit and Pause
In the aftermath of the catastrophe, the chief of a primary political opposition demanded an urgent halt in the building and running of all similar projects.
This pause was requested until the completion of a full independent investigation. The party declared that the situation "demands swift accountability."
In response, the national leader asserted that the train had been operating in complete accordance with all security protocols. Promises were given that the government would be "responsible" in both the construction and running of these vital undertakings.
