A deadly train crash in the southern state of Oaxaca has resulted in the deaths of at least 13 people, an incident expected to reignite critical opposition regarding the pace and management of the country's flagship public works projects.
The crash happened on the Interoceanic Train, a rail link built to join the Atlantic Ocean and Pacific Ocean across the narrowest part of the Isthmus of Tehuantepec. This project was intended to provide an competing rail corridor to the Panama Canal, with the goal of spurring commercial progress in the area.
“We will meticulously determine the reasons behind this incident,” declared the national leader.
The leader reported that, of the some 250 people on board, another 98 were hurt, with five of those in critical condition. The president added plans to visit Oaxaca to meet those affected.
Key Undertaking of Past Leadership
The Interoceanic Train was a cornerstone development scheme of the previous administration, whose time in office ended the previous year. This rail line was a hallmark of his administration's economic goals for the southeastern region.
Another multi-billion dollar train initiative from that period, a tourist and cargo loop around the Yucatán Peninsula, was also integral to the broader strategy to stimulate the economy of a comparatively less developed part of the country.
Construction Oversight and Safety Concerns
The building of both rail lines was supervised by the armed forces, marking a significant increase of its role in public projects. They were completed at an accelerated pace, surpassing forecasts to be at least partly inaugurated before the end of that presidency.
However, this accelerated timeline had simultaneously fueled ongoing concerns over construction quality.
- Sunday's accident was the third such incident on the Interoceanic Train in the current year.
- This includes an prior collision this month when a train hit a truck at a railroad crossing.
- The other major rail project has also had two non-lethal derailments.
Appeals for Audit and Pause
In the aftermath of the disaster, the chief of a major opposition party demanded an prompt pause in the development and management of all such projects.
This halt was suggested pending a full safety audit. The party declared that the loss of life "demands prompt explanations."
In reply, the president asserted that the train had been functioning in full adherence to all security protocols. Assurances were given that the government would remain "diligent" in both the construction and running of these strategic undertakings.
