A tragic railway accident in the southern state of Oaxaca has resulted in the deaths of at least 13 people, an incident sure to fuel opposition criticisms regarding the rapidity and handling of the country's flagship government projects.
The disaster took place on the Interoceanic Corridor train, a rail link built to connect the Atlantic Ocean and Pacific across the narrowest part of the Isthmus of Tehuantepec. This endeavor was designed to provide an alternative rail cargo route to the Panama Canal, intended to promote regional growth in the area.
“We shall rigorously clarify the reasons behind this incident,” affirmed the national leader.
The president confirmed that, of the around 250 people on board, another 98 were injured, with five of those in serious condition. The president stated plans to travel to Oaxaca to meet those affected.
Flagship Project of Former Government
The Interoceanic Train was a signature development scheme of the immediate past president, whose term ended the previous year. This project was closely associated with his leadership's strategic goals for the southern region.
Another multi-billion dollar train initiative from that period, a tourist and cargo loop around the Yucatán Peninsula, was also central to the broader strategy to stimulate the economic fortunes of a historically poorer part of the country.
Building Management and Worries
The building of both train projects was managed by the army, marking a notable increase of its role in public infrastructure. They were executed at an rapid speed, surpassing expectations to be at least partly inaugurated before the end of that government.
However, this rushed timetable had concurrently raised ongoing questions over construction quality.
- Sunday's derailment was the third such incident on the Interoceanic Train this year.
- This includes an previous collision this month when a train hit a truck at a railroad crossing.
- The other major rail project has also seen a couple of non-fatal derailments.
Calls for Investigation and Halt
In the aftermath of the disaster, the head of a key rival party demanded an immediate halt in the construction and operation of all such projects.
This stoppage was requested while awaiting a thorough safety audit. The party emphasized that the tragedy "calls for immediate answers."
In response, the national leader asserted that the train had been operating in total compliance with all safety requirements. Promises were given that the government would be "responsible" in both the development and management of these vital initiatives.
