A deadly train crash in the southern state of Oaxaca has claimed the lives of at least 13 people, an incident expected to reignite opposition criticisms regarding the speed and management of the country's flagship public works projects.
The disaster took place on the Interoceanic Train, a route built to join the Atlantic Ocean and Pacific across the thinnest stretch of the Isthmus of Tehuantepec. This endeavor was designed to establish an different freight railway path to the Panama Canal, intended to promote economic development in the area.
“We shall rigorously clarify what caused this accident,” affirmed the head of state.
The president confirmed that, of the some 250 passengers on board, another 98 were injured, with five of those in serious condition. The official noted plans to go to Oaxaca to meet those involved.
Key Undertaking of Previous Administration
The Interoceanic Train was a central development scheme of the previous administration, whose presidency ended the year before. This venture was closely associated with his government's economic agenda for the southeastern region.
Another multi-billion dollar train initiative from that era, a passenger and freight circuit around the Yucatán Peninsula, was also integral to the wider plan to kickstart the economy of a relatively less developed part of the country.
Construction Oversight and Safety Concerns
The development of both rail lines was overseen by the army, marking a dramatic expansion of its role in public projects. They were built at an accelerated speed, surpassing expectations to be at least partly inaugurated before the end of that administration.
However, this rushed timetable had also raised persistent apprehensions over safety standards.
- Sunday's accident was the third occurrence on the Interoceanic Train in the current year.
- This involves an previous crash this month when a train hit a truck at a crossing.
- The other major rail project has also had two non-deadly derailments.
Demands for Audit and Pause
In the aftermath of the disaster, the chief of a key rival party urged an prompt pause in the building and running of all comparable projects.
This pause was suggested while awaiting a thorough technical review. The party stated that the situation "calls for swift accountability."
In response, the head of state asserted that the train had been running in total compliance with all safety requirements. Commitments were given that the government would remain "responsible" in both the development and management of these national undertakings.
