A deadly train derailment in the southern state of Oaxaca has claimed the lives of at least 13 people, an incident likely to revive critical opposition regarding the speed and management of the country's key public works projects.
The disaster happened on the Interoceanic Train, a line developed to connect the Atlantic Ocean and Pacific Ocean across the slenderest section of the Isthmus of Tehuantepec. This project was created to establish an competing rail corridor to the Panama Canal, intended to promote economic development in the area.
“We are going to meticulously determine what caused this incident,” declared the country's president.
The official reported that, of the around 250 people on board, another 98 were hurt, with five of those in serious condition. The leader noted plans to visit Oaxaca to confer with those affected.
Major Initiative of Former Government
The Interoceanic Train was a central public works project of the immediate past president, whose term concluded the year before. This rail line was intimately linked to his government's economic goals for the southeastern region.
Another multi-billion dollar train initiative from that time, a passenger and freight circuit around the Yucatán Peninsula, was also integral to the comprehensive effort to stimulate the economic fortunes of a historically poorer part of the country.
Project Execution and Worries
The building of both train projects was managed by the army, marking a dramatic expansion of its role in civilian infrastructure. They were executed at an accelerated pace, surpassing expectations to be partially opened before the end of that presidency.
However, this accelerated timeline had also sparked ongoing questions over construction quality.
- Sunday's accident was the third such incident on the Interoceanic Train within the past twelve months.
- This includes an prior accident this month when a train struck a truck at a crossing.
- The other major rail project has also experienced a couple of non-deadly derailments.
Demands for Review and Suspension
In the wake of the disaster, the leader of a primary political opposition called for an immediate pause in the development and management of all similar projects.
This halt was suggested pending a comprehensive independent investigation. The party declared that the situation "requires immediate answers."
In reaction, the national leader asserted that the train had been functioning in full adherence to all safety requirements. Promises were given that the government would be "diligent" in both the development and running of these vital initiatives.
