A deadly train crash in the Mexican state of Oaxaca has resulted in the deaths of at least 13 people, an incident sure to fuel critical opposition regarding the speed and management of the country's key government projects.
The disaster happened on the Interoceanic Corridor train, a rail link built to link the Atlantic and Pacific across the narrowest part of the Isthmus of Tehuantepec. This project was designed to offer an competing rail corridor to the Panama Canal, intended to promote economic development in the area.
“We shall rigorously clarify what caused this incident,” stated the country's president.
The president confirmed that, of the around 250 passengers on board, another 98 were injured, with five of those in critical condition. The president noted plans to travel to Oaxaca to confer with those impacted.
Major Initiative of Former Government
The Interoceanic Train was a cornerstone public works project of the previous administration, whose term finished the year before. This venture was closely associated with his administration's developmental vision 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 wider plan to stimulate the economy of a comparatively poorer part of the country.
Construction Oversight and Risks Apprehensions
The construction of both rail lines was overseen by the nation's military, marking a notable increase of its responsibilities in civilian projects. They were built at an rapid speed, beating expectations to be partially opened before the end of that government.
However, this rushed timetable had concurrently raised persistent apprehensions over safety standards.
- Sunday's derailment was the third such incident on the Interoceanic Train this year.
- This encompasses an earlier collision this month when a train hit a truck at a railroad crossing.
- The other major rail project has also had a couple of non-fatal derailments.
Calls for Investigation and Halt
In the wake of the disaster, the chief of a major opposition party called for an prompt halt in the development and management of all comparable projects.
This stoppage was suggested until the completion of a full safety audit. The party emphasized that the tragedy "requires prompt explanations."
In reaction, the president maintained that the train had been functioning in total accordance with all operational standards. Assurances were given that the government would remain "responsible" in both the construction and running of these strategic initiatives.
