A tragic 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 speed and execution of the country's flagship government projects.
The accident took place on the Interoceanic Corridor train, a rail link built to join the Atlantic Ocean and Pacific across the narrowest part of the Isthmus of Tehuantepec. This project was designed to establish an alternative rail cargo route to the Panama Canal, with the goal of spurring economic development in the area.
“We will thoroughly investigate the reasons behind this tragedy,” affirmed the national leader.
The president confirmed that, of the around 250 people on board, another 98 were wounded, with five of those in grave condition. The leader added plans to visit Oaxaca to speak with those impacted.
Flagship Project of Former Government
The Interoceanic Train was a central development scheme of the immediate past president, whose term ended the prior year. This rail line was intimately linked to his government's economic agenda for the southern region.
Another massive train initiative from that period, a passenger and freight circuit around the Yucatán Peninsula, was also integral to the comprehensive effort to stimulate the economy of a comparatively less developed part of the country.
Building Management and Worries
The building of both railway systems was managed by the army, marking a notable expansion of its responsibilities in national projects. They were built at an fast-tracked speed, defying expectations to be partially opened before the end of that government.
However, this fast-paced schedule had concurrently sparked significant apprehensions over construction quality.
- Sunday's crash was the third occurrence on the Interoceanic Train this year.
- This involves an previous accident 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.
Appeals for Review and Suspension
In the aftermath of the catastrophe, the head of a major opposition party demanded an prompt pause in the building and running of all similar projects.
This pause was proposed until the completion of a thorough technical review. The party emphasized that the loss of life "calls for prompt explanations."
In reaction, the president insisted that the train had been functioning in full compliance with all safety requirements. Promises were given that the government would be "diligent" in both the development and management of these vital undertakings.
