A fatal railway accident in the southern state of Oaxaca has caused the fatalities of at least 13 people, an incident likely to revive censure from critics regarding the speed and execution of the country's major public works projects.
The crash took place on the Interoceanic Train, a line built to connect the Atlantic and Pacific Ocean across the narrowest part of the Isthmus of Tehuantepec. This project was intended to provide an alternative rail cargo route to the Panama Canal, intended to promote regional growth in the area.
“We will thoroughly investigate the reasons behind this tragedy,” declared the head of state.
The official reported that, of the some 250 passengers on board, another 98 were hurt, with five of those in grave condition. The official noted plans to go to Oaxaca to meet those impacted.
Flagship Project of Former Government
The Interoceanic Train was a signature development scheme of the immediate past president, whose term concluded the year before. This rail line was closely associated with his leadership's economic goals for the southern region.
Another multi-billion dollar rail project from that era, a passenger and freight circuit around the Yucatán Peninsula, was also part of the comprehensive effort to revitalize the economic fortunes of a historically less developed part of the country.
Project Execution and Risks Apprehensions
The development of both train projects was supervised by the army, marking a dramatic growth of its role in public works. They were built at an accelerated rate, beating predictions to be partially launched before the end of that government.
However, this rushed timetable had concurrently sparked significant concerns over safety standards.
- Sunday's crash was the third occurrence on the Interoceanic Train this year.
- This includes an prior collision this month when a train struck a truck at a level crossing.
- The other major rail project has also had two non-fatal derailments.
Appeals for Investigation and Halt
In the aftermath of the disaster, the chief of a key rival party called for an immediate halt in the development and management of all similar projects.
This halt was requested until the completion of a thorough technical review. The party stated that the situation "demands immediate answers."
In reply, the head of state maintained that the train had been running in complete accordance with all operational standards. Promises were given that the government would remain "diligent" in both the development and running of these strategic undertakings.
