A deadly train crash 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 speed and handling of the country's key government projects.
The crash happened on the trans-isthmus railway, a route built to connect the Atlantic and Pacific across the slenderest section of the Isthmus of Tehuantepec. This initiative was intended to offer an competing rail corridor to the Panama Canal, aimed at driving regional growth in the area.
“We are going to rigorously clarify the cause of this incident,” declared the country's president.
The official reported that, of the some 250 passengers on board, another 98 were injured, with five of those in critical condition. The official stated plans to travel to Oaxaca to confer with those impacted.
Key Undertaking of Former Government
The Interoceanic Train was a cornerstone development scheme of the immediate past president, whose time in office ended the year before. This project was a hallmark of his government's economic agenda for the southern region.
Another massive rail project from that time, a passenger and freight circuit around the Yucatán Peninsula, was also integral to the wider plan to stimulate the economic fortunes of a historically poorer part of the country.
Construction Oversight and Safety Concerns
The construction of both railway systems was supervised by the nation's military, marking a dramatic growth of its responsibilities in civilian infrastructure. They were completed at an fast-tracked pace, beating forecasts to be partially launched before the end of that presidency.
However, this rushed timetable had simultaneously sparked persistent apprehensions over safety standards.
- Sunday's crash was the third event on the Interoceanic Train in the current year.
- This includes an previous crash this month when a train struck a truck at a railroad crossing.
- The other major rail project has also seen a couple of non-lethal derailments.
Appeals for Investigation and Halt
In the wake of the catastrophe, the head of a major opposition party urged an prompt pause in the building and running of all such projects.
This stoppage was suggested until the completion of a comprehensive technical review. The party stated that the situation "requires prompt explanations."
In response, the national leader maintained that the train had been running in complete accordance with all security protocols. Commitments were given that the government would be "responsible" in both the development and management of these national projects.
