A fatal railway accident in the southern state of Oaxaca has resulted in the deaths of at least 13 people, an incident likely to revive censure from critics regarding the speed and management of the country's major government projects.
The crash happened on the trans-isthmus railway, a route built to connect the Atlantic and Pacific across the narrowest part of the Isthmus of Tehuantepec. This project was created to offer an competing rail corridor to the Panama Canal, intended to promote economic development in the area.
“We shall thoroughly investigate the cause of this accident,” declared the country's president.
The official confirmed that, of the around 250 passengers on board, another 98 were injured, with five of those in critical condition. The leader added plans to travel to Oaxaca to speak with those impacted.
Key Undertaking of Former Government
The Interoceanic Train was a signature infrastructure project of the previous administration, whose term concluded the previous year. This venture was intimately linked to his administration's developmental agenda for the southern region.
Another multi-billion dollar railway undertaking from that period, a tourist and cargo loop around the Yucatán Peninsula, was also part of the broader strategy to stimulate the economy of a relatively poorer part of the country.
Construction Oversight and Safety Concerns
The building of both train projects was supervised by the nation's military, marking a notable growth of its role in public infrastructure. They were built at an accelerated speed, beating expectations to be at least partly launched before the end of that government.
However, this fast-paced schedule had also raised significant questions over safety standards.
- Sunday's accident was the third event on the Interoceanic Train in the current year.
- This includes an previous crash this month when a train smashed into a truck at a level crossing.
- The other major rail project has also experienced a couple of non-lethal derailments.
Demands for Audit and Pause
In the aftermath of the catastrophe, the head of a key rival party demanded an urgent pause in the building and running of all similar projects.
This halt was proposed until the completion of a thorough safety audit. The party emphasized that the loss of life "demands prompt explanations."
In reaction, the president maintained that the train had been functioning in complete accordance with all operational standards. Commitments were given that the government would be "responsible" in both the construction and operation of these strategic projects.
