A fatal railway accident in the southern state of Oaxaca has caused the fatalities of at least 13 people, an incident likely to revive opposition criticisms regarding the rapidity and execution of the country's key infrastructure initiatives.
The crash happened on the trans-isthmus railway, a line built to connect the Atlantic Ocean and Pacific Ocean across the narrowest part of the Isthmus of Tehuantepec. This initiative was intended to establish an alternative rail cargo route to the Panama Canal, aimed at driving commercial progress in the area.
“We will thoroughly investigate the cause of this accident,” affirmed the country's president.
The official reported that, of the some 250 passengers on board, another 98 were wounded, with five of those in critical condition. The president noted plans to go to Oaxaca to meet those impacted.
Flagship Project of Former Government
The Interoceanic Train was a signature public works project of the former leader, whose presidency ended the previous year. This project was closely associated with his leadership's strategic agenda for the southern region.
Another ambitious train initiative from that time, a tourist and cargo loop around the Yucatán Peninsula, was also integral to the comprehensive effort to stimulate the economy of a historically less developed part of the country.
Construction Oversight and Worries
The construction of both railway systems was supervised by the nation's military, marking a significant increase of its duties in national works. They were completed at an rapid rate, beating predictions to be at least partly inaugurated before the end of that administration.
However, this fast-paced schedule had concurrently raised ongoing apprehensions over construction quality.
- Sunday's accident was the third such incident on the Interoceanic Train in the current year.
- This involves an earlier collision this month when a train struck a truck at a railroad crossing.
- The other major rail project has also seen a couple of non-lethal derailments.
Calls for Investigation and Halt
In the wake of the tragedy, the leader of a key rival party demanded an immediate suspension in the development and management of all comparable projects.
This halt was proposed while awaiting a full independent investigation. The party emphasized that the loss of life "calls for prompt explanations."
In reply, the head of state insisted that the train had been running in full adherence to all security protocols. Commitments were given that the government would continue to be "responsible" in both the construction and management of these vital projects.
