A deadly train crash in the southern state of Oaxaca has resulted in the deaths of at least 13 people, an incident likely to revive opposition criticisms regarding the pace and handling of the country's flagship infrastructure initiatives.
The disaster happened on the Interoceanic Corridor train, a line constructed to link the Atlantic 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, with the goal of spurring commercial progress in the area.
“We will rigorously clarify what caused this incident,” affirmed the head of state.
The president reported that, of the around 250 passengers on board, another 98 were hurt, with five of those in critical condition. The president added plans to visit Oaxaca to meet those affected.
Key Undertaking of Past Leadership
The Interoceanic Train was a central development scheme of the previous administration, whose time in office ended the year before. This venture was closely associated with his administration's developmental goals for the southern region.
Another ambitious railway undertaking from that period, a passenger and freight circuit around the Yucatán Peninsula, was also central to the broader strategy to stimulate the economic fortunes of a relatively less developed part of the country.
Building Management and Worries
The construction of both railway systems was managed by the army, marking a significant growth of its role in public infrastructure. They were executed at an accelerated speed, beating expectations to be at least partly opened before the end of that presidency.
However, this fast-paced schedule had concurrently raised significant questions over safety standards.
- Sunday's crash was the third event on the Interoceanic Train in the current year.
- This involves an earlier accident this month when a train struck a truck at a crossing.
- The other major rail project has also experienced a couple of non-lethal derailments.
Demands for Investigation and Halt
In the aftermath of the tragedy, the chief of a major opposition party called for an prompt halt in the construction and operation of all similar projects.
This halt was requested while awaiting a comprehensive technical review. The party declared that the situation "calls for immediate answers."
In reaction, the president asserted that the train had been functioning in full compliance with all safety requirements. Promises were given that the government would be "responsible" in both the construction and management of these national projects.
