A fatal train crash in the southern state of Oaxaca has claimed the lives of at least 13 people, an incident sure to fuel opposition criticisms regarding the pace and handling of the country's major public works projects.
The disaster took place on the Interoceanic Train, a rail link built to link the Atlantic and Pacific Ocean across the narrowest part of the Isthmus of Tehuantepec. This project was created to provide an competing rail corridor to the Panama Canal, with the goal of spurring regional growth in the area.
“We will meticulously determine the cause of this tragedy,” stated the national leader.
The official confirmed that, of the some 250 passengers on board, another 98 were injured, with five of those in grave condition. The official stated plans to visit Oaxaca to confer with those involved.
Flagship Project of Previous Administration
The Interoceanic Train was a signature public works project of the previous administration, whose presidency finished the prior year. This project was a hallmark of his administration's economic goals for the southern region.
Another multi-billion dollar rail project from that time, a passenger and freight circuit around the Yucatán Peninsula, was also part of the wider plan to kickstart the economic fortunes of a relatively disadvantaged part of the country.
Construction Oversight and Safety Concerns
The construction of both rail lines was supervised by the nation's military, marking a dramatic growth of its role in civilian works. They were built at an fast-tracked pace, defying forecasts to be at least partly opened before the end of that presidency.
However, this rushed timetable had simultaneously sparked ongoing apprehensions over construction quality.
- Sunday's accident was the third occurrence on the Interoceanic Train in the current year.
- This involves an prior collision this month when a train hit a truck at a level crossing.
- The other major rail project has also experienced a couple of non-fatal derailments.
Calls for Review and Suspension
In the aftermath of the disaster, the chief of a primary political opposition urged an urgent halt in the development and management of all such projects.
This stoppage was suggested while awaiting a comprehensive independent investigation. The party declared that the loss of life "calls for prompt explanations."
In reaction, the national leader asserted that the train had been running in full compliance with all security protocols. Commitments were given that the government would continue to be "accountable" in both the construction and running of these strategic undertakings.
