A tragic railway accident in the southern state of Oaxaca has claimed the lives of at least 13 people, an incident sure to fuel opposition criticisms regarding the rapidity and execution of the country's key public works projects.
The accident took place on the Interoceanic Corridor train, a route built to link the Atlantic Ocean and Pacific Ocean across the slenderest section of the Isthmus of Tehuantepec. This project was intended to provide an alternative rail cargo route to the Panama Canal, with the goal of spurring commercial progress in the area.
“We are going to thoroughly investigate what caused this accident,” affirmed the national leader.
The official announced that, of the some 250 people on board, another 98 were injured, with five of those in serious condition. The president added plans to visit Oaxaca to confer with those involved.
Major Initiative of Former Government
The Interoceanic Train was a signature public works project of the former leader, whose time in office concluded the prior year. This project was intimately linked to his leadership's strategic goals for the southern region.
Another massive rail project from that era, a tourist and cargo loop around the Yucatán Peninsula, was also part of the comprehensive effort to stimulate the economic fortunes of a relatively poorer part of the country.
Building Management and Worries
The development of both rail lines was managed by the armed forces, marking a significant growth of its responsibilities in public works. They were built at an rapid pace, beating predictions to be partially inaugurated before the end of that administration.
However, this fast-paced schedule had concurrently raised significant questions over safety standards.
- Sunday's accident was the third such incident on the Interoceanic Train in the current year.
- This includes an earlier crash this month when a train smashed into a truck at a railroad crossing.
- The other major rail project has also seen several non-deadly derailments.
Calls for Investigation and Halt
In the wake of the disaster, the chief of a major opposition party demanded an prompt suspension in the construction and operation of all similar projects.
This stoppage was proposed until the completion of a full independent investigation. The party stated that the situation "calls for swift accountability."
In reaction, the head of state maintained that the train had been functioning in full accordance with all security protocols. Assurances were given that the government would be "diligent" in both the development and running of these national undertakings.
