A fatal train derailment in the southern state of Oaxaca has caused the fatalities 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 took place on the Interoceanic Corridor train, a route developed to join the Atlantic Ocean and Pacific Ocean across the slenderest section of the Isthmus of Tehuantepec. This project was intended to offer an different freight railway path to the Panama Canal, aimed at driving regional growth in the area.
“We are going to thoroughly investigate the cause of this accident,” declared the national leader.
The president reported that, of the some 250 people on board, another 98 were hurt, with five of those in grave condition. The official added plans to visit Oaxaca to meet those involved.
Key Undertaking of Former Government
The Interoceanic Train was a signature public works project of the previous administration, whose term ended the prior year. This project was closely associated with his administration's developmental agenda for the southern region.
Another ambitious rail project from that time, a passenger and freight circuit around the Yucatán Peninsula, was also part of the broader strategy to revitalize the economy of a historically disadvantaged part of the country.
Building Management and Worries
The development of both rail lines was overseen by the armed forces, marking a significant growth of its duties in national infrastructure. They were built at an fast-tracked rate, defying predictions to be partially opened before the end of that presidency.
However, this rushed timetable had concurrently sparked significant questions over safety standards.
- Sunday's crash was the third event on the Interoceanic Train within the past twelve months.
- This includes an earlier accident this month when a train struck a truck at a crossing.
- The other major rail project has also had a couple of non-fatal derailments.
Calls for Review and Suspension
In the aftermath of the disaster, the head of a key rival party demanded an urgent pause in the construction and operation of all similar projects.
This pause was suggested until the completion of a comprehensive independent investigation. The party stated that the situation "calls for immediate answers."
In reaction, the national leader insisted that the train had been operating in complete compliance with all safety requirements. Promises were given that the government would be "responsible" in both the development and running of these national initiatives.
