A fatal train derailment in the Mexican state of Oaxaca has caused the fatalities of at least 13 people, an incident expected to reignite opposition criticisms regarding the rapidity and handling of the country's key infrastructure initiatives.
The accident occurred on the trans-isthmus railway, a rail link developed to link the Atlantic and Pacific across the thinnest stretch of the Isthmus of Tehuantepec. This initiative was designed to offer an alternative rail cargo route to the Panama Canal, intended to promote economic development in the area.
“We shall meticulously determine the reasons behind this incident,” stated the head of state.
The president announced that, of the some 250 people on board, another 98 were injured, with five of those in grave condition. The president stated plans to go to Oaxaca to speak with those involved.
Major Initiative of Former Government
The Interoceanic Train was a cornerstone public works project of the previous administration, whose time in office finished the year before. This rail line was intimately linked to his government's developmental vision for the southern region.
Another multi-billion dollar train initiative from that era, a passenger and freight circuit around the Yucatán Peninsula, was also part of the broader strategy to stimulate the economic fortunes of a relatively poorer part of the country.
Project Execution and Worries
The building of both train projects was overseen by the armed forces, marking a dramatic increase of its duties in national projects. They were executed at an accelerated speed, defying predictions to be partially inaugurated before the end of that presidency.
However, this rushed timetable had also raised significant apprehensions over construction quality.
- Sunday's accident was the third occurrence on the Interoceanic Train in the current year.
- This includes an previous crash this month when a train hit a truck at a crossing.
- The other major rail project has also seen several non-fatal derailments.
Appeals for Review and Suspension
In the wake of the disaster, the chief of a major opposition party urged an prompt suspension in the development and management of all similar projects.
This pause was suggested pending a comprehensive safety audit. The party declared that the loss of life "calls for immediate answers."
In reply, the head of state maintained that the train had been functioning in total adherence to all safety requirements. Promises were given that the government would be "responsible" in both the development and management of these strategic projects.
