A tragic train derailment in the Mexican state of Oaxaca has caused the fatalities of at least 13 people, an incident expected to reignite critical opposition regarding the rapidity and handling of the country's major public works projects.
The accident took place on the trans-isthmus railway, a route constructed to link the Atlantic Ocean and Pacific Ocean across the slenderest section of the Isthmus of Tehuantepec. This initiative was intended to establish an competing rail corridor to the Panama Canal, aimed at driving regional growth in the area.
“We are going to meticulously determine what caused this accident,” affirmed the national leader.
The leader announced that, of the approximately 250 people on board, another 98 were hurt, with five of those in serious condition. The president noted plans to visit Oaxaca to meet those impacted.
Flagship Project of Former Government
The Interoceanic Train was a central development scheme of the immediate past president, whose time in office finished the year before. This project was intimately linked to his leadership's strategic agenda for the southeastern region.
Another massive rail project from that period, a tourist and cargo loop around the Yucatán Peninsula, was also central to the wider plan to stimulate the economic fortunes of a historically disadvantaged part of the country.
Building Management and Worries
The construction of both train projects was supervised by the armed forces, marking a dramatic increase of its role in civilian infrastructure. They were built at an fast-tracked pace, surpassing forecasts to be at least partly inaugurated before the end of that presidency.
However, this fast-paced schedule had concurrently fueled persistent concerns over construction quality.
- Sunday's crash was the third such incident on the Interoceanic Train this year.
- This includes an previous collision this month when a train struck a truck at a crossing.
- The other major rail project has also seen two non-deadly derailments.
Demands for Audit and Pause
In the wake of the disaster, the leader of a major opposition party demanded an prompt pause in the building and running of all similar projects.
This halt was suggested until the completion of a full safety audit. The party stated that the loss of life "demands immediate answers."
In reply, the head of state asserted that the train had been running in full adherence to all safety requirements. Promises were given that the government would remain "responsible" in both the development and management of these vital undertakings.
