A tragic train crash in the Mexican state of Oaxaca has claimed the lives of at least 13 people, an incident sure to fuel opposition criticisms regarding the speed and handling of the country's key public works projects.
The accident took place on the Interoceanic Train, a route developed to connect the Atlantic and Pacific Ocean across the slenderest section of the Isthmus of Tehuantepec. This project was created to provide an different freight railway path to the Panama Canal, with the goal of spurring regional growth in the area.
“We are going to thoroughly investigate what caused this tragedy,” declared the head of state.
The official reported that, of the around 250 passengers on board, another 98 were wounded, with five of those in critical condition. The leader added plans to visit Oaxaca to confer with those involved.
Key Undertaking of Former Government
The Interoceanic Train was a cornerstone development scheme of the previous administration, whose presidency finished the prior year. This venture was a hallmark of his government's strategic goals for the southeastern region.
Another multi-billion dollar railway undertaking from that time, a tourist and cargo loop around the Yucatán Peninsula, was also part of the broader strategy to kickstart the economy of a historically poorer part of the country.
Building Management and Safety Concerns
The building of both train projects was supervised by the army, marking a significant expansion of its responsibilities 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 rushed timetable had concurrently raised significant questions over operational security.
- Sunday's crash was the third occurrence on the Interoceanic Train in the current year.
- This includes an prior collision this month when a train smashed into a truck at a crossing.
- The other major rail project has also experienced two non-fatal derailments.
Demands for Investigation and Halt
In the wake of the tragedy, the chief of a primary political opposition demanded an prompt suspension in the construction and operation of all comparable projects.
This halt was requested until the completion of a thorough technical review. The party stated that the situation "requires swift accountability."
In reply, the head of state maintained that the train had been operating in complete accordance with all safety requirements. Promises were given that the government would be "accountable" in both the development and management of these national projects.
