A deadly train derailment 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 rapidity and handling of the country's major public works projects.
The crash occurred on the Interoceanic Corridor train, a rail link developed to link the Atlantic Ocean and Pacific Ocean across the thinnest stretch of the Isthmus of Tehuantepec. This project was created to offer an different freight railway path to the Panama Canal, aimed at driving economic development in the area.
“We will rigorously clarify the reasons behind this incident,” stated the country's president.
The official confirmed that, of the some 250 individuals on board, another 98 were injured, with five of those in serious condition. The president stated plans to go to Oaxaca to confer with those involved.
Key Undertaking of Former Government
The Interoceanic Train was a cornerstone infrastructure project of the previous administration, whose time in office ended the year before. This rail line was closely associated with his administration's economic agenda for the southeastern region.
Another massive rail project from that time, a passenger and freight circuit around the Yucatán Peninsula, was also central to the wider plan to stimulate the economy of a relatively poorer part of the country.
Construction Oversight and Worries
The construction of both train projects was managed by the armed forces, marking a dramatic growth of its role in national works. They were built at an accelerated rate, beating forecasts to be partially launched before the end of that administration.
However, this rushed timetable had also raised ongoing concerns over construction quality.
- Sunday's crash was the third occurrence on the Interoceanic Train this year.
- This includes an prior crash this month when a train struck a truck at a level crossing.
- The other major rail project has also had several non-lethal derailments.
Appeals for Audit and Pause
In the aftermath of the disaster, the chief of a primary political opposition demanded an prompt pause in the development and management of all such projects.
This stoppage was proposed until the completion of a comprehensive safety audit. The party emphasized that the situation "calls for swift accountability."
In response, the president maintained that the train had been operating in total adherence to all safety requirements. Commitments were given that the government would remain "responsible" in both the development and management of these strategic undertakings.
