A deadly train crash in the Mexican state of Oaxaca has claimed the lives of at least 13 people, an incident expected to reignite opposition criticisms regarding the rapidity and management of the country's major government projects.
The disaster happened on the Interoceanic Train, a line built to join the Atlantic Ocean and Pacific Ocean across the slenderest section of the Isthmus of Tehuantepec. This initiative was intended to provide an competing rail corridor to the Panama Canal, with the goal of spurring economic development in the area.
“We will thoroughly investigate the reasons behind this accident,” affirmed the national leader.
The official confirmed that, of the some 250 people on board, another 98 were wounded, with five of those in grave condition. The president added plans to travel to Oaxaca to meet those affected.
Major Initiative of Former Government
The Interoceanic Train was a cornerstone public works project of the former leader, whose term finished the year before. This project was a hallmark of his leadership's economic goals for the southern region.
Another multi-billion dollar rail project from that era, a tourist and cargo loop around the Yucatán Peninsula, was also integral to the broader strategy to kickstart the economic fortunes of a relatively disadvantaged part of the country.
Building Management and Risks Apprehensions
The construction of both rail lines was supervised by the armed forces, marking a significant expansion of its role in national infrastructure. They were completed at an fast-tracked speed, beating forecasts to be partially opened before the end of that government.
However, this accelerated timeline had also sparked significant concerns over construction quality.
- Sunday's accident was the third occurrence 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 experienced several non-lethal derailments.
Calls for Audit and Pause
In the aftermath of the tragedy, the leader of a major opposition party called for an prompt pause in the development and management of all comparable projects.
This stoppage was proposed until the completion of a full technical review. The party stated that the situation "calls for prompt explanations."
In reply, the national leader maintained that the train had been operating in complete adherence to all safety requirements. Assurances were given that the government would continue to be "diligent" in both the development and running of these national initiatives.
