A fatal railway accident in the southern state of Oaxaca has claimed the lives of at least 13 people, an incident expected to reignite censure from critics regarding the rapidity and management of the country's flagship government projects.
The accident took place on the trans-isthmus railway, a line built to link the Atlantic Ocean and Pacific across the thinnest stretch of the Isthmus of Tehuantepec. This initiative was intended to provide an different freight railway path to the Panama Canal, aimed at driving commercial progress in the area.
“We will thoroughly investigate what caused this incident,” declared the head of state.
The leader announced that, of the some 250 people on board, another 98 were hurt, with five of those in grave condition. The leader noted plans to travel to Oaxaca to speak with those impacted.
Major Initiative of Former Government
The Interoceanic Train was a cornerstone infrastructure project of the former leader, whose time in office ended the year before. This rail line was intimately linked to his leadership's developmental goals for the southern region.
Another multi-billion dollar rail project from that period, a passenger and freight circuit around the Yucatán Peninsula, was also part of the broader strategy to stimulate the economy of a historically less developed part of the country.
Construction Oversight and Worries
The construction of both rail lines was overseen by the army, marking a notable increase of its duties in civilian projects. They were completed at an fast-tracked rate, beating forecasts to be partially inaugurated before the end of that presidency.
However, this rushed timetable had simultaneously raised persistent questions over safety standards.
- Sunday's derailment was the third such incident on the Interoceanic Train in the current year.
- This encompasses an previous collision this month when a train hit a truck at a level crossing.
- The other major rail project has also experienced a couple of non-lethal derailments.
Calls for Audit and Pause
In the aftermath of the disaster, the head of a primary political opposition urged an immediate suspension in the building and running of all such projects.
This halt was proposed pending a thorough technical review. The party emphasized that the situation "demands prompt explanations."
In reaction, the head of state insisted that the train had been running in total accordance with all operational standards. Promises were given that the government would continue to be "responsible" in both the construction and running of these vital undertakings.
