A fatal train derailment in the southern state of Oaxaca has resulted in the deaths of at least 13 people, an incident likely to revive opposition criticisms regarding the rapidity and management of the country's flagship infrastructure initiatives.
The crash took place on the Interoceanic Train, a rail link constructed to link the Atlantic Ocean and Pacific Ocean across the thinnest stretch of the Isthmus of Tehuantepec. This project was designed to provide an competing rail corridor to the Panama Canal, with the goal of spurring commercial progress in the area.
“We are going to thoroughly investigate the reasons behind this incident,” affirmed the head of state.
The official reported that, of the approximately 250 people on board, another 98 were hurt, with five of those in serious condition. The official stated plans to visit Oaxaca to confer with those impacted.
Flagship Project of Previous Administration
The Interoceanic Train was a signature development scheme of the immediate past president, whose term concluded the previous year. This project was closely associated with his government's economic vision for the southeastern region.
Another multi-billion dollar train initiative from that period, a passenger and freight circuit around the Yucatán Peninsula, was also central to the wider plan to stimulate the economic fortunes of a comparatively disadvantaged part of the country.
Construction Oversight and Worries
The construction of both train projects was overseen by the army, marking a significant expansion of its role in public works. They were executed at an fast-tracked rate, beating predictions to be at least partly inaugurated before the end of that presidency.
However, this fast-paced schedule had also fueled ongoing questions over safety standards.
- Sunday's crash was the third such incident on the Interoceanic Train this year.
- This involves an prior collision this month when a train smashed into a truck at a railroad crossing.
- The other major rail project has also seen several non-fatal derailments.
Demands for Investigation and Halt
In the aftermath of the catastrophe, the chief of a primary political opposition demanded an immediate pause in the building and running of all similar projects.
This stoppage was suggested pending a thorough independent investigation. The party stated that the loss of life "demands prompt explanations."
In reaction, the president asserted that the train had been running in full adherence to all operational standards. Commitments were given that the government would continue to be "responsible" in both the construction and management of these national undertakings.
