A fatal train crash in the southern state of Oaxaca has caused the fatalities of at least 13 people, an incident sure to fuel opposition criticisms regarding the speed and execution of the country's major government projects.
The accident occurred on the Interoceanic Train, a rail link developed to link the Atlantic and Pacific across the thinnest stretch of the Isthmus of Tehuantepec. This project was created to establish an alternative rail cargo route to the Panama Canal, aimed at driving regional growth in the area.
“We will rigorously clarify the reasons behind this incident,” stated the head of state.
The president confirmed that, of the some 250 passengers on board, another 98 were wounded, with five of those in serious condition. The leader added plans to travel to Oaxaca to speak with those involved.
Flagship Project of Former Government
The Interoceanic Train was a central development scheme of the previous administration, whose time in office finished the prior year. This project was intimately linked to his administration's strategic vision for the southern region.
Another massive train initiative from that period, a tourist and cargo loop around the Yucatán Peninsula, was also central to the wider plan to stimulate the economic fortunes of a historically disadvantaged part of the country.
Construction Oversight and Worries
The building of both rail lines was overseen by the armed forces, marking a dramatic expansion of its responsibilities in public works. They were completed at an rapid pace, beating forecasts to be partially opened before the end of that presidency.
However, this accelerated timeline had concurrently fueled ongoing concerns over construction quality.
- Sunday's derailment was the third occurrence on the Interoceanic Train in the current year.
- This involves an earlier collision this month when a train struck a truck at a level crossing.
- The other major rail project has also seen two non-lethal derailments.
Calls for Review and Suspension
In the aftermath of the tragedy, the chief of a major opposition party called for an prompt halt in the building and running of all such projects.
This stoppage was suggested until the completion of a comprehensive independent investigation. The party declared that the tragedy "demands immediate answers."
In reaction, the president asserted that the train had been functioning in total accordance with all security protocols. Commitments were given that the government would remain "diligent" in both the construction and management of these strategic projects.
