A tragic railway accident in the southern state of Oaxaca has resulted in the deaths of at least 13 people, an incident likely to revive censure from critics regarding the speed and management of the country's flagship public works projects.
The crash happened on the Interoceanic Corridor train, a rail link built to connect the Atlantic and Pacific Ocean across the slenderest section of the Isthmus of Tehuantepec. This project was designed to establish an alternative rail cargo route to the Panama Canal, aimed at driving regional growth in the area.
“We are going to thoroughly investigate what caused this accident,” stated the national leader.
The leader reported that, of the some 250 people on board, another 98 were injured, with five of those in critical condition. The official stated plans to go to Oaxaca to speak with those affected.
Major Initiative of Former Government
The Interoceanic Train was a signature public works project of the former leader, whose presidency finished the year before. This venture was intimately linked to his leadership's developmental goals for the southern region.
Another ambitious railway undertaking from that time, a tourist and cargo loop around the Yucatán Peninsula, was also integral to the broader strategy to stimulate the economic fortunes of a relatively poorer part of the country.
Project Execution and Worries
The development of both railway systems was overseen by the army, marking a dramatic increase of its role in public projects. They were executed at an accelerated rate, beating expectations to be partially launched before the end of that administration.
However, this fast-paced schedule had also raised ongoing concerns over construction quality.
- Sunday's accident was the third such incident on the Interoceanic Train this year.
- This encompasses an previous accident this month when a train hit a truck at a railroad crossing.
- The other major rail project has also experienced two non-fatal derailments.
Calls for Audit and Pause
In the aftermath of the disaster, the head of a primary political opposition called for an prompt pause in the building and running of all similar projects.
This stoppage was requested while awaiting a full technical review. The party stated that the loss of life "demands swift accountability."
In response, the national leader insisted that the train had been operating in full compliance with all operational standards. Promises were given that the government would remain "responsible" in both the development and management of these national projects.
