A tragic railway accident in the southern state of Oaxaca has caused the fatalities of at least 13 people, an incident sure to fuel censure from critics regarding the speed and handling of the country's major government projects.
The disaster took place on the Interoceanic Corridor train, a rail link built to link the Atlantic Ocean and Pacific across the narrowest part of the Isthmus of Tehuantepec. This project was intended to offer an competing rail corridor to the Panama Canal, aimed at driving economic development in the area.
“We shall thoroughly investigate the cause of this tragedy,” affirmed the national leader.
The president reported that, of the some 250 passengers on board, another 98 were hurt, with five of those in serious condition. The official added plans to travel to Oaxaca to speak with those affected.
Major Initiative of Former Government
The Interoceanic Train was a cornerstone infrastructure project of the immediate past president, whose time in office finished the previous year. This venture was intimately linked to his leadership's economic vision for the southeastern region.
Another multi-billion dollar rail project from that period, a passenger and freight circuit around the Yucatán Peninsula, was also central to the comprehensive effort to stimulate the economic fortunes of a historically less developed part of the country.
Construction Oversight and Worries
The building of both railway systems was overseen by the nation's military, marking a significant increase of its duties in public infrastructure. They were built at an accelerated speed, defying expectations to be at least partly opened before the end of that government.
However, this rushed timetable had simultaneously sparked persistent concerns over safety standards.
- Sunday's accident was the third such incident on the Interoceanic Train within the past twelve months.
- This involves an prior accident this month when a train struck a truck at a level crossing.
- The other major rail project has also experienced a couple of non-fatal derailments.
Calls for Review and Suspension
In the aftermath of the catastrophe, the head of a key rival party called for an immediate suspension in the building and running of all such projects.
This halt was suggested until the completion of a comprehensive independent investigation. The party stated that the loss of life "requires prompt explanations."
In response, the president insisted that the train had been operating in complete compliance with all security protocols. Commitments were given that the government would continue to be "responsible" in both the construction and running of these vital projects.
