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 opposition criticisms regarding the speed and management of the country's flagship public works projects.
The crash occurred on the Interoceanic Corridor train, a rail link constructed to link the Atlantic Ocean and Pacific across the slenderest section of the Isthmus of Tehuantepec. This project was intended to provide an alternative rail cargo route to the Panama Canal, with the goal of spurring regional growth in the area.
“We are going to thoroughly investigate the reasons behind this accident,” declared the head of state.
The president confirmed that, of the approximately 250 people on board, another 98 were hurt, with five of those in critical condition. The president added plans to go to Oaxaca to speak with those affected.
Flagship Project of Former Government
The Interoceanic Train was a central public works project of the former leader, whose time in office ended the prior year. This venture was intimately linked to his leadership's developmental goals for the southern region.
Another multi-billion dollar train initiative from that period, a tourist and cargo loop around the Yucatán Peninsula, was also part of the comprehensive effort to kickstart the economy of a relatively disadvantaged part of the country.
Construction Oversight and Worries
The building of both rail lines was supervised by the armed forces, marking a dramatic growth of its role in national projects. They were built at an rapid pace, beating forecasts to be at least partly opened before the end of that government.
However, this accelerated timeline had concurrently fueled ongoing apprehensions over operational security.
- Sunday's crash was the third event on the Interoceanic Train in the current year.
- This involves an earlier crash this month when a train hit a truck at a railroad crossing.
- The other major rail project has also had two non-deadly derailments.
Calls for Audit and Pause
In the wake of the tragedy, the head of a key rival party demanded an prompt suspension in the building and running of all similar projects.
This halt was suggested until the completion of a thorough independent investigation. The party emphasized that the tragedy "requires immediate answers."
In reaction, the president insisted that the train had been running in full compliance with all security protocols. Assurances were given that the government would continue to be "accountable" in both the construction and running of these national initiatives.
