A tragic train crash in the southern state of Oaxaca has resulted in the deaths of at least 13 people, an incident likely to revive critical opposition regarding the rapidity and handling of the country's flagship infrastructure initiatives.
The disaster occurred on the Interoceanic Train, a route built to join the Atlantic and Pacific Ocean across the thinnest stretch of the Isthmus of Tehuantepec. This project was intended to provide an alternative rail cargo route to the Panama Canal, intended to promote regional growth in the area.
“We will meticulously determine the cause of this tragedy,” stated the national leader.
The official reported that, of the some 250 passengers on board, another 98 were wounded, with five of those in critical condition. The leader added plans to travel to Oaxaca to meet those impacted.
Flagship Project of Former Government
The Interoceanic Train was a signature infrastructure project of the former leader, whose presidency finished the year before. This project was intimately linked to his government's developmental goals for the southeastern region.
Another massive railway undertaking from that period, a passenger and freight circuit around the Yucatán Peninsula, was also central to the broader strategy to stimulate the economy of a relatively poorer part of the country.
Building Management and Worries
The development of both train projects was supervised by the army, marking a dramatic expansion of its role in national works. They were executed at an rapid speed, defying expectations to be partially launched before the end of that presidency.
However, this fast-paced schedule had also raised significant concerns over construction quality.
- Sunday's derailment was the third event on the Interoceanic Train within the past twelve months.
- This includes an earlier crash this month when a train hit a truck at a railroad crossing.
- The other major rail project has also experienced a couple of non-lethal derailments.
Calls for Review and Suspension
In the aftermath of the tragedy, the head of a major opposition party called for an prompt suspension in the construction and operation of all similar projects.
This stoppage was requested pending a full safety audit. The party declared that the loss of life "requires swift accountability."
In reaction, the national leader asserted that the train had been running in complete accordance with all safety requirements. Promises were given that the government would continue to be "diligent" in both the development and running of these strategic undertakings.