A fatal train crash in the Mexican state of Oaxaca has caused the fatalities of at least 13 people, an incident sure to fuel critical opposition regarding the rapidity and handling of the country's flagship public works projects.
The disaster occurred on the Interoceanic Corridor train, a route developed to connect the Atlantic and Pacific Ocean across the slenderest section of the Isthmus of Tehuantepec. This endeavor was created to offer an competing rail corridor to the Panama Canal, with the goal of spurring regional growth in the area.
“We are going to meticulously determine the cause of this tragedy,” stated the country's president.
The leader reported that, of the some 250 passengers on board, another 98 were hurt, with five of those in serious condition. The leader stated plans to go to Oaxaca to confer with those involved.
Major Initiative of Previous Administration
The Interoceanic Train was a central development scheme of the former leader, whose time in office ended the year before. This rail line was intimately linked to his government's strategic agenda for the southern region.
Another ambitious rail project from that period, a tourist and cargo loop around the Yucatán Peninsula, was also part of the comprehensive effort to kickstart the economic fortunes of a relatively poorer part of the country.
Construction Oversight and Worries
The development of both train projects was managed by the armed forces, marking a dramatic increase of its role in national projects. They were built at an rapid rate, beating predictions to be partially opened before the end of that administration.
However, this rushed timetable had concurrently raised significant concerns over safety standards.
- Sunday's derailment was the third event on the Interoceanic Train within the past twelve months.
- This includes an previous accident this month when a train smashed into a truck at a crossing.
- The other major rail project has also seen a couple of non-lethal derailments.
Demands for Investigation and Halt
In the aftermath of the disaster, the leader of a key rival party called for an prompt halt in the development and management of all similar projects.
This halt was suggested pending a comprehensive safety audit. The party declared that the tragedy "calls for immediate answers."
In reaction, the national leader maintained that the train had been operating in complete adherence to all security protocols. Commitments were given that the government would continue to be "accountable" in both the construction and management of these national undertakings.
