A deadly railway accident in the Mexican state of Oaxaca has caused the fatalities of at least 13 people, an incident likely to revive critical opposition regarding the speed and execution of the country's major public works projects.
The accident took place on the Interoceanic Train, a route developed to connect the Atlantic Ocean and Pacific across the narrowest part of the Isthmus of Tehuantepec. This project was created to establish an alternative rail cargo route to the Panama Canal, with the goal of spurring economic development in the area.
“We are going to thoroughly investigate the cause of this accident,” affirmed the national leader.
The president announced that, of the approximately 250 passengers on board, another 98 were wounded, with five of those in serious condition. The president added plans to go to Oaxaca to confer with those affected.
Major Initiative of Previous Administration
The Interoceanic Train was a cornerstone public works project of the previous administration, whose presidency ended the year before. This rail line was intimately linked to his administration's strategic vision for the southern region.
Another multi-billion dollar train initiative from that era, a passenger and freight circuit around the Yucatán Peninsula, was also integral to the broader strategy to kickstart the economic fortunes of a historically disadvantaged part of the country.
Construction Oversight and Worries
The building of both train projects was overseen by the armed forces, marking a significant growth of its responsibilities in public projects. They were executed at an rapid rate, defying predictions to be at least partly launched before the end of that presidency.
However, this rushed timetable had also raised persistent apprehensions over safety standards.
- Sunday's accident was the third event on the Interoceanic Train this year.
- This involves an previous crash this month when a train hit a truck at a level crossing.
- The other major rail project has also had a couple of non-deadly derailments.
Appeals for Audit and Pause
In the aftermath of the catastrophe, the leader of a key rival party demanded an prompt halt in the building and running of all similar projects.
This pause was requested while awaiting a full independent investigation. The party declared that the tragedy "calls for immediate answers."
In response, the president maintained that the train had been functioning in complete adherence to all security protocols. Promises were given that the government would be "responsible" in both the development and running of these strategic undertakings.
