A deadly 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 execution of the country's major public works projects.
The accident happened on the Interoceanic Corridor train, a line built to link the Atlantic and Pacific across the slenderest section of the Isthmus of Tehuantepec. This initiative was designed to offer an competing rail corridor to the Panama Canal, intended to promote regional growth in the area.
“We shall meticulously determine the cause of this incident,” stated the head of state.
The president announced that, of the approximately 250 individuals on board, another 98 were hurt, with five of those in critical condition. The leader added plans to travel to Oaxaca to confer with those involved.
Key Undertaking of Former Government
The Interoceanic Train was a cornerstone public works project of the previous administration, whose term ended the previous year. This rail line was intimately linked to his leadership's strategic vision for the southeastern region.
Another ambitious railway undertaking from that time, a passenger and freight circuit around the Yucatán Peninsula, was also central to the broader strategy to kickstart the economic fortunes of a historically disadvantaged part of the country.
Construction Oversight and Risks Apprehensions
The development of both railway systems was supervised by the armed forces, marking a dramatic expansion of its responsibilities in public projects. They were completed at an rapid rate, beating forecasts to be at least partly inaugurated before the end of that government.
However, this rushed timetable had also sparked ongoing questions over safety standards.
- Sunday's accident was the third such incident on the Interoceanic Train this year.
- This includes an earlier crash this month when a train smashed into a truck at a level crossing.
- The other major rail project has also seen two non-fatal derailments.
Calls for Audit and Pause
In the wake of the tragedy, the head of a major opposition party demanded an prompt pause in the development and management of all similar projects.
This pause was suggested pending a full technical review. The party stated that the loss of life "demands prompt explanations."
In reply, the national leader insisted that the train had been functioning in full accordance with all safety requirements. Assurances were given that the government would be "accountable" in both the development and operation of these vital projects.
