A deadly train derailment in the southern state of Oaxaca has claimed the lives of at least 13 people, an incident likely to revive censure from critics regarding the speed and handling of the country's key public works projects.
The accident happened on the Interoceanic Corridor train, a route built to connect the Atlantic and Pacific across the slenderest section of the Isthmus of Tehuantepec. This endeavor was designed to offer an different freight railway path to the Panama Canal, intended to promote economic development in the area.
“We will meticulously determine what caused this accident,” stated the country's president.
The president announced that, of the some 250 passengers on board, another 98 were wounded, with five of those in grave condition. The president noted plans to travel to Oaxaca to meet those affected.
Key Undertaking of Former Government
The Interoceanic Train was a central infrastructure project of the previous administration, whose time in office finished the prior year. This venture was a hallmark of his leadership's economic 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 part of the broader strategy to revitalize the economic fortunes of a historically less developed part of the country.
Construction Oversight and Worries
The building of both rail lines was overseen by the army, marking a notable growth of its role in civilian projects. They were completed at an accelerated rate, defying forecasts to be partially opened before the end of that government.
However, this rushed timetable had simultaneously raised persistent apprehensions over construction quality.
- Sunday's accident was the third such incident on the Interoceanic Train within the past twelve months.
- This involves an previous collision this month when a train smashed into a truck at a level crossing.
- The other major rail project has also experienced a couple of non-deadly derailments.
Demands for Audit and Pause
In the aftermath of the tragedy, the head of a major opposition party urged an prompt suspension in the building and running of all comparable projects.
This pause was suggested pending a full safety audit. The party stated that the situation "calls for prompt explanations."
In reaction, the president insisted that the train had been functioning in total compliance with all operational standards. Commitments were given that the government would continue to be "accountable" in both the development and running of these strategic projects.
