A deadly train derailment in the southern state of Oaxaca has claimed the lives of at least 13 people, an incident likely to revive opposition criticisms regarding the pace and handling of the country's flagship government projects.
The disaster happened on the Interoceanic Corridor train, a route developed to join the Atlantic Ocean and Pacific across the thinnest stretch of the Isthmus of Tehuantepec. This endeavor was intended to establish an alternative rail cargo route to the Panama Canal, intended to promote economic development in the area.
“We will thoroughly investigate the cause of this accident,” declared the national leader.
The president confirmed that, of the some 250 passengers on board, another 98 were hurt, with five of those in grave condition. The president noted plans to go to Oaxaca to meet those impacted.
Flagship Project of Previous Administration
The Interoceanic Train was a signature public works project of the immediate past president, whose term ended the prior year. This project was closely associated with his government's developmental goals for the southern region.
Another multi-billion dollar rail project from that time, a tourist and cargo loop around the Yucatán Peninsula, was also integral to the broader strategy to stimulate the economy of a relatively less developed part of the country.
Project Execution and Risks Apprehensions
The building of both rail lines was managed by the army, marking a dramatic expansion of its duties in national infrastructure. They were executed at an accelerated pace, defying predictions to be partially inaugurated before the end of that administration.
However, this accelerated timeline had also fueled significant apprehensions over safety standards.
- Sunday's crash was the third event on the Interoceanic Train within the past twelve months.
- This includes an previous accident this month when a train smashed into a truck at a railroad crossing.
- The other major rail project has also experienced a couple of non-deadly derailments.
Demands for Review and Suspension
In the aftermath of the disaster, the chief of a key rival party demanded an immediate pause in the building and running of all comparable projects.
This pause was requested while awaiting a full technical review. The party emphasized that the loss of life "demands prompt explanations."
In reply, the president maintained that the train had been operating in total accordance with all safety requirements. Commitments were given that the government would remain "accountable" in both the development and management of these national projects.
