A deadly train crash in the southern state of Oaxaca has caused the fatalities of at least 13 people, an incident sure to fuel censure from critics regarding the speed and handling of the country's flagship infrastructure initiatives.
The crash took place on the Interoceanic Train, a route developed to join the Atlantic Ocean and Pacific across the narrowest part of the Isthmus of Tehuantepec. This project was designed to establish an competing rail corridor to the Panama Canal, with the goal of spurring economic development in the area.
“We will thoroughly investigate the cause of this incident,” stated the national leader.
The president reported that, of the some 250 passengers on board, another 98 were hurt, with five of those in critical condition. The official stated plans to go to Oaxaca to meet those affected.
Flagship Project of Former Government
The Interoceanic Train was a central infrastructure project of the former leader, whose presidency concluded the year before. This venture was a hallmark of his government's strategic vision for the southern region.
Another multi-billion dollar train initiative from that time, a tourist and cargo loop around the Yucatán Peninsula, was also central to the broader strategy to stimulate the economic fortunes of a comparatively poorer part of the country.
Project Execution and Safety Concerns
The building of both rail lines was supervised by the armed forces, marking a significant increase of its responsibilities in civilian projects. They were completed at an rapid speed, defying forecasts to be at least partly launched before the end of that presidency.
However, this rushed timetable had simultaneously raised persistent concerns over construction quality.
- Sunday's crash was the third such incident on the Interoceanic Train within the past twelve months.
- This includes an earlier accident this month when a train smashed into a truck at a railroad crossing.
- The other major rail project has also had two non-deadly derailments.
Appeals for Review and Suspension
In the aftermath of the catastrophe, the head of a key rival party called for an immediate suspension in the building and running of all similar projects.
This halt was requested until the completion of a thorough safety audit. The party declared that the situation "calls for prompt explanations."
In reply, the national leader asserted that the train had been running in full compliance with all security protocols. Promises were given that the government would continue to be "accountable" in both the construction and operation of these national undertakings.
