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 opposition criticisms regarding the rapidity and handling of the country's flagship infrastructure initiatives.
The crash happened on the Interoceanic Corridor train, a line built to link the Atlantic and Pacific across the narrowest part of the Isthmus of Tehuantepec. This initiative was intended to provide an competing rail corridor to the Panama Canal, with the goal of spurring commercial progress in the area.
“We shall rigorously clarify the cause of this tragedy,” stated the country's president.
The leader reported that, of the some 250 people on board, another 98 were injured, with five of those in critical condition. The official noted plans to go to Oaxaca to confer with those impacted.
Key Undertaking of Former Government
The Interoceanic Train was a central development scheme of the former leader, whose presidency ended the prior year. This rail line was a hallmark of his government's economic vision for the southeastern region.
Another ambitious rail project from that era, a tourist and cargo loop around the Yucatán Peninsula, was also part of the wider plan to kickstart the economy of a historically disadvantaged part of the country.
Construction Oversight and Safety Concerns
The construction of both rail lines was overseen by the nation's military, marking a dramatic increase of its role in national works. They were executed at an rapid speed, beating predictions to be at least partly inaugurated before the end of that government.
However, this fast-paced schedule had concurrently sparked significant questions over construction quality.
- Sunday's accident was the third such incident on the Interoceanic Train this year.
- This includes an prior accident this month when a train hit a truck at a level crossing.
- The other major rail project has also had two non-lethal derailments.
Calls for Investigation and Halt
In the aftermath of the disaster, the leader of a primary political opposition urged an immediate halt in the development and management of all similar projects.
This halt was requested pending a full independent investigation. The party stated that the loss of life "requires swift accountability."
In reaction, the head of state asserted that the train had been running in complete accordance with all security protocols. Promises were given that the government would remain "diligent" in both the development and management of these vital projects.
