A deadly railway accident in the Mexican state of Oaxaca has claimed the lives of at least 13 people, an incident likely to revive critical opposition regarding the rapidity and execution of the country's flagship public works projects.
The crash took place on the Interoceanic Train, a rail link constructed to connect the Atlantic and Pacific across the thinnest stretch of the Isthmus of Tehuantepec. This project was created to provide an different freight railway path to the Panama Canal, with the goal of spurring commercial progress in the area.
“We shall meticulously determine what caused this incident,” affirmed the national leader.
The official reported that, of the some 250 people on board, another 98 were injured, with five of those in grave condition. The official noted plans to go to Oaxaca to confer with those affected.
Key Undertaking of Former Government
The Interoceanic Train was a cornerstone public works project of the former leader, whose time in office concluded the previous year. This venture was a hallmark of his administration's developmental agenda for the southern region.
Another multi-billion dollar rail project from that time, a tourist and cargo loop around the Yucatán Peninsula, was also central to the wider plan to kickstart the economy of a comparatively disadvantaged part of the country.
Project Execution and Worries
The building of both train projects was supervised by the nation's military, marking a significant increase of its role in public works. They were executed at an rapid rate, surpassing expectations to be partially inaugurated before the end of that presidency.
However, this rushed timetable had also raised significant concerns over construction quality.
- Sunday's crash 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 crossing.
- The other major rail project has also had a couple of non-lethal derailments.
Calls for Review and Suspension
In the aftermath of the tragedy, the chief of a primary political opposition called for an immediate pause in the construction and operation of all similar projects.
This pause was proposed pending a full independent investigation. The party declared that the tragedy "requires swift accountability."
In reaction, the president asserted that the train had been operating in complete accordance with all safety requirements. Promises were given that the government would be "responsible" in both the construction and operation of these national undertakings.
