A fatal train crash in the Mexican state of Oaxaca has claimed the lives of at least 13 people, an incident likely to revive opposition criticisms regarding the speed and handling of the country's major government projects.
The crash happened on the Interoceanic Corridor train, a line built to link 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 shall thoroughly investigate the reasons behind this tragedy,” declared the national leader.
The president reported that, of the approximately 250 individuals on board, another 98 were wounded, with five of those in critical condition. The president stated plans to visit Oaxaca to confer with those involved.
Major Initiative of Former Government
The Interoceanic Train was a central public works project of the former leader, whose time in office concluded the year before. This venture was intimately linked to his leadership's strategic vision for the southeastern region.
Another multi-billion dollar train initiative from that time, a tourist and cargo loop around the Yucatán Peninsula, was also central to the broader strategy to kickstart the economy of a comparatively less developed part of the country.
Construction Oversight and Risks Apprehensions
The development of both rail lines was supervised by the nation's military, marking a dramatic increase of its role in national works. They were executed at an accelerated pace, surpassing forecasts to be at least partly inaugurated before the end of that administration.
However, this accelerated timeline had simultaneously sparked significant questions over safety standards.
- Sunday's derailment was the third event on the Interoceanic Train this year.
- This includes an prior collision 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.
Appeals for Investigation and Halt
In the wake of the catastrophe, the head of a major opposition party urged an immediate suspension in the building and running of all similar projects.
This stoppage was proposed pending a thorough technical review. The party stated that the loss of life "calls for immediate answers."
In response, the president asserted that the train had been running in total accordance with all operational standards. Commitments were given that the government would be "responsible" in both the construction and management of these national initiatives.
