A fatal train derailment in the southern state of Oaxaca has caused the fatalities of at least 13 people, an incident sure to fuel opposition criticisms regarding the pace and handling of the country's major government projects.
The crash took place on the Interoceanic Train, a route constructed to join the Atlantic and Pacific Ocean across the narrowest part of the Isthmus of Tehuantepec. This project was designed to offer an competing rail corridor to the Panama Canal, intended to promote regional growth in the area.
“We will meticulously determine the reasons behind this incident,” stated the country's president.
The leader reported that, of the around 250 individuals on board, another 98 were hurt, with five of those in grave condition. The leader added plans to visit Oaxaca to meet those involved.
Major Initiative of Previous Administration
The Interoceanic Train was a central development scheme of the immediate past president, whose presidency finished the year before. This venture was a hallmark of his government's economic agenda for the southeastern region.
Another ambitious train initiative from that period, a passenger and freight circuit around the Yucatán Peninsula, was also part of the wider plan to stimulate the economic fortunes of a relatively poorer part of the country.
Construction Oversight and Risks Apprehensions
The development of both rail lines was supervised by the nation's military, marking a dramatic growth of its role in civilian works. They were built at an accelerated rate, defying predictions to be at least partly opened before the end of that government.
However, this fast-paced schedule had concurrently fueled significant questions over construction quality.
- Sunday's accident was the third event on the Interoceanic Train within the past twelve months.
- This involves an earlier crash this month when a train hit a truck at a crossing.
- The other major rail project has also had a couple of non-lethal derailments.
Appeals for Investigation and Halt
In the wake of the disaster, the head of a major opposition party demanded an prompt suspension in the development and management of all such projects.
This halt was suggested while awaiting a full independent investigation. The party declared that the loss of life "calls for prompt explanations."
In reaction, the president maintained that the train had been running in complete accordance with all operational standards. Commitments were given that the government would be "diligent" in both the construction and running of these vital undertakings.
