A fatal train crash in the Mexican state of Oaxaca has claimed the lives of at least 13 people, an incident sure to fuel opposition criticisms regarding the rapidity and handling of the country's major infrastructure initiatives.
The crash happened on the Interoceanic Train, a route built to join the Atlantic Ocean and Pacific across the thinnest stretch of the Isthmus of Tehuantepec. This initiative was designed to establish an alternative rail cargo route to the Panama Canal, with the goal of spurring regional growth in the area.
“We shall rigorously clarify the cause of this accident,” stated the head of state.
The official reported that, of the some 250 passengers on board, another 98 were hurt, with five of those in critical condition. The leader stated plans to go to Oaxaca to confer with those affected.
Key Undertaking of Former Government
The Interoceanic Train was a central public works project of the immediate past president, whose term finished the previous year. This venture was intimately linked to his government's developmental goals for the southern region.
Another ambitious railway undertaking from that time, a passenger and freight circuit around the Yucatán Peninsula, was also part of the broader strategy to kickstart the economy of a relatively less developed part of the country.
Project Execution and Risks Apprehensions
The construction of both train projects was managed by the army, marking a significant growth of its role in national projects. They were executed at an fast-tracked rate, defying forecasts to be partially inaugurated before the end of that government.
However, this rushed timetable had simultaneously sparked persistent apprehensions over construction quality.
- Sunday's derailment was the third event on the Interoceanic Train this year.
- This involves an prior crash this month when a train smashed into a truck at a railroad crossing.
- The other major rail project has also had a couple of non-fatal derailments.
Calls for Investigation and Halt
In the wake of the disaster, the chief of a primary political opposition demanded an urgent pause in the building and running of all comparable projects.
This halt was suggested pending a thorough independent investigation. The party declared that the tragedy "demands immediate answers."
In reply, the head of state insisted that the train had been functioning in total compliance with all safety requirements. Commitments were given that the government would be "diligent" in both the construction and management of these vital undertakings.
