A deadly railway accident in the southern state of Oaxaca has resulted in the deaths of at least 13 people, an incident sure to fuel critical opposition regarding the speed and handling of the country's major public works projects.
The crash occurred on the trans-isthmus railway, a route developed to join the Atlantic Ocean and Pacific Ocean across the slenderest section of the Isthmus of Tehuantepec. This project was intended to offer an competing rail corridor to the Panama Canal, aimed at driving regional growth in the area.
“We shall thoroughly investigate the cause of this accident,” affirmed the head of state.
The president announced that, of the around 250 individuals on board, another 98 were hurt, with five of those in serious condition. The leader added plans to travel to Oaxaca to confer with those affected.
Key Undertaking of Former Government
The Interoceanic Train was a signature development scheme of the immediate past president, whose term finished the previous year. This rail line was closely associated with his leadership's developmental agenda for the southeastern region.
Another massive rail project from that era, a tourist and cargo loop around the Yucatán Peninsula, was also central to the wider plan to revitalize the economic fortunes of a historically disadvantaged part of the country.
Building Management and Safety Concerns
The construction of both railway systems was managed by the army, marking a notable increase of its responsibilities in civilian projects. They were completed at an rapid speed, surpassing expectations to be partially opened before the end of that administration.
However, this accelerated timeline had concurrently fueled persistent apprehensions over construction quality.
- Sunday's accident was the third such incident on the Interoceanic Train this year.
- This involves an earlier accident this month when a train hit a truck at a crossing.
- The other major rail project has also had a couple of non-fatal derailments.
Calls for Review and Suspension
In the aftermath of the catastrophe, the head of a key rival party demanded an immediate pause in the construction and operation of all comparable projects.
This stoppage was suggested pending a thorough safety audit. The party declared that the loss of life "demands prompt explanations."
In reaction, the national leader asserted that the train had been operating in total adherence to all safety requirements. Promises were given that the government would continue to be "accountable" in both the construction and management of these national undertakings.
