A deadly railway accident in the southern state of Oaxaca has resulted in the deaths of at least 13 people, an incident likely to revive critical opposition regarding the rapidity and execution of the country's key government projects.
The disaster occurred on the Interoceanic Corridor train, a line developed to connect the Atlantic Ocean and Pacific Ocean across the slenderest section of the Isthmus of Tehuantepec. This project was designed to provide an competing rail corridor to the Panama Canal, aimed at driving regional growth in the area.
“We are going to thoroughly investigate the cause of this accident,” declared the head of state.
The leader announced that, of the some 250 individuals on board, another 98 were hurt, with five of those in serious condition. The president stated plans to visit Oaxaca to speak with those impacted.
Flagship Project of Past Leadership
The Interoceanic Train was a central infrastructure project of the former leader, whose term ended the year before. This venture was closely associated with his administration's developmental vision for the southern region.
Another multi-billion dollar train initiative from that period, a tourist and cargo loop around the Yucatán Peninsula, was also part of the comprehensive effort to stimulate the economy of a comparatively less developed part of the country.
Building Management and Risks Apprehensions
The construction of both train projects was overseen by the army, marking a dramatic growth of its responsibilities in national infrastructure. They were built at an rapid rate, surpassing predictions to be partially opened before the end of that government.
However, this fast-paced schedule had simultaneously fueled significant concerns over construction quality.
- Sunday's derailment was the third such incident on the Interoceanic Train this year.
- This includes an previous accident this month when a train struck a truck at a crossing.
- The other major rail project has also had several non-lethal derailments.
Appeals for Audit and Pause
In the wake of the tragedy, the leader of a primary political opposition demanded an urgent suspension in the development and management of all such projects.
This pause was requested pending a thorough safety audit. The party stated that the situation "calls for immediate answers."
In reply, the president maintained that the train had been operating in total accordance with all safety requirements. Promises were given that the government would continue to be "accountable" in both the development and running of these strategic initiatives.
