A fatal train derailment in the southern state of Oaxaca has resulted in the deaths of at least 13 people, an incident sure to fuel opposition criticisms regarding the pace and execution of the country's major public works projects.
The disaster took place on the Interoceanic Train, a rail link developed to link the Atlantic and Pacific across the thinnest stretch of the Isthmus of Tehuantepec. This endeavor was designed to provide an alternative rail cargo route to the Panama Canal, with the goal of spurring economic development in the area.
“We are going to meticulously determine the cause of this incident,” stated the head of state.
The leader announced that, of the approximately 250 individuals on board, another 98 were hurt, with five of those in critical condition. The president noted plans to go to Oaxaca to speak with those involved.
Major Initiative of Former Government
The Interoceanic Train was a central infrastructure project of the immediate past president, whose time in office concluded the previous year. This rail line was a hallmark of his leadership's strategic vision for the southeastern region.
Another ambitious rail project from that period, a tourist and cargo loop around the Yucatán Peninsula, was also central to the wider plan to stimulate the economic fortunes of a relatively poorer part of the country.
Building Management and Worries
The building of both rail lines was supervised by the nation's military, marking a notable growth of its responsibilities in national works. They were completed at an rapid speed, beating forecasts to be partially inaugurated before the end of that presidency.
However, this fast-paced schedule had concurrently fueled significant concerns over construction quality.
- Sunday's crash was the third event on the Interoceanic Train this year.
- This includes an earlier crash this month when a train struck a truck at a crossing.
- The other major rail project has also experienced a couple of non-deadly derailments.
Demands for Review and Suspension
In the wake of the tragedy, the chief of a primary political opposition called for an immediate halt in the building and running of all such projects.
This stoppage was suggested pending a comprehensive technical review. The party stated that the situation "calls for swift accountability."
In response, the national leader maintained that the train had been functioning in complete accordance with all operational standards. Commitments were given that the government would continue to be "diligent" in both the construction and running of these national undertakings.
