A fatal train crash in the Mexican state of Oaxaca has caused the fatalities of at least 13 people, an incident likely to revive opposition criticisms regarding the rapidity and handling of the country's major infrastructure initiatives.
The disaster took place on the Interoceanic Corridor train, a rail link developed to link the Atlantic Ocean and Pacific across the thinnest stretch of the Isthmus of Tehuantepec. This endeavor was intended to establish an competing rail corridor to the Panama Canal, intended to promote economic development in the area.
“We shall thoroughly investigate what caused this accident,” declared the country's president.
The president reported that, of the around 250 people on board, another 98 were injured, with five of those in grave condition. The president noted plans to visit Oaxaca to confer with those affected.
Major Initiative of Former Government
The Interoceanic Train was a central development scheme of the previous administration, whose term concluded the prior year. This project was a hallmark of his administration's strategic agenda for the southern region.
Another multi-billion dollar railway undertaking from that time, a tourist and cargo loop around the Yucatán Peninsula, was also central to the broader strategy to stimulate the economic fortunes of a historically disadvantaged part of the country.
Construction Oversight and Worries
The development of both railway systems was managed by the nation's military, marking a dramatic increase of its role in national works. They were executed at an accelerated rate, beating predictions to be partially opened before the end of that administration.
However, this accelerated timeline had also sparked persistent apprehensions over construction quality.
- Sunday's accident was the third such incident on the Interoceanic Train in the current year.
- This includes an prior crash this month when a train smashed into a truck at a level crossing.
- The other major rail project has also had a couple of non-fatal derailments.
Calls for Investigation and Halt
In the wake of the tragedy, the head of a major opposition party called for an immediate halt in the development and management of all such projects.
This stoppage was suggested pending a full independent investigation. The party stated that the tragedy "requires immediate answers."
In response, the national leader maintained that the train had been running in complete compliance with all security protocols. Commitments were given that the government would be "diligent" in both the development and running of these strategic undertakings.
