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 rapidity and handling of the country's major infrastructure initiatives.
The accident happened on the Interoceanic Corridor train, a route built to link the Atlantic Ocean and Pacific across the thinnest stretch of the Isthmus of Tehuantepec. This initiative was intended to establish an competing rail corridor to the Panama Canal, with the goal of spurring commercial progress in the area.
“We will thoroughly investigate the cause of this accident,” affirmed the country's president.
The official confirmed that, of the approximately 250 passengers on board, another 98 were hurt, with five of those in critical condition. The president noted plans to travel to Oaxaca to meet those impacted.
Major Initiative of Previous Administration
The Interoceanic Train was a signature public works project of the immediate past president, whose presidency ended the previous year. This project was a hallmark of his administration's strategic agenda for the southern region.
Another massive train initiative from that period, a passenger and freight circuit around the Yucatán Peninsula, was also part of the wider plan to revitalize the economy of a comparatively disadvantaged part of the country.
Building Management and Worries
The development of both train projects was overseen by the nation's military, marking a notable growth of its role in national projects. They were built at an fast-tracked pace, defying predictions to be at least partly opened before the end of that presidency.
However, this fast-paced schedule had simultaneously raised ongoing apprehensions over safety standards.
- Sunday's accident was the third such incident on the Interoceanic Train in the current year.
- This includes an earlier crash this month when a train hit a truck at a crossing.
- The other major rail project has also seen a couple of non-fatal derailments.
Demands for Review and Suspension
In the wake of the disaster, the leader of a primary political opposition called for an prompt halt in the construction and operation of all such projects.
This pause was suggested until the completion of a thorough independent investigation. The party declared that the tragedy "calls for immediate answers."
In reply, the head of state insisted that the train had been functioning in total adherence to all security protocols. Promises were given that the government would remain "responsible" in both the development and management of these national undertakings.
