A fatal train crash in the Mexican state of Oaxaca has caused the fatalities of at least 13 people, an incident likely to revive censure from critics regarding the rapidity and management of the country's flagship infrastructure initiatives.
The accident took place on the Interoceanic Corridor train, a rail link constructed to join the Atlantic and Pacific Ocean across the thinnest stretch of the Isthmus of Tehuantepec. This initiative was created to establish an different freight railway path to the Panama Canal, aimed at driving regional growth in the area.
“We will thoroughly investigate the reasons behind this accident,” affirmed the country's president.
The official announced that, of the some 250 people on board, another 98 were wounded, with five of those in critical condition. The official added plans to go to Oaxaca to meet those affected.
Key Undertaking of Former Government
The Interoceanic Train was a signature development scheme of the former leader, whose time in office finished the previous year. This venture was a hallmark of his government's developmental goals for the southern region.
Another massive railway undertaking from that period, a passenger and freight circuit around the Yucatán Peninsula, was also integral to the broader strategy to revitalize the economic fortunes of a relatively less developed part of the country.
Building Management and Worries
The development of both train projects was managed by the army, marking a significant increase of its responsibilities in public projects. They were built at an fast-tracked pace, defying forecasts to be partially launched before the end of that government.
However, this rushed timetable had also fueled ongoing concerns over safety standards.
- Sunday's crash was the third such incident on the Interoceanic Train this year.
- This involves an previous collision this month when a train struck a truck at a railroad crossing.
- The other major rail project has also seen two non-fatal derailments.
Calls for Review and Suspension
In the wake of the tragedy, the chief of a primary political opposition called for an prompt halt in the development and management of all similar projects.
This pause was proposed while awaiting a thorough independent investigation. The party stated that the tragedy "calls for immediate answers."
In reaction, the national leader asserted that the train had been operating in full compliance with all operational standards. Assurances were given that the government would continue to be "responsible" in both the development and management of these national projects.
