A tragic railway accident in the Mexican state of Oaxaca has claimed the lives of at least 13 people, an incident likely to revive opposition criticisms regarding the rapidity and execution of the country's key infrastructure initiatives.
The crash occurred on the Interoceanic Corridor train, a rail link built to connect the Atlantic Ocean and Pacific Ocean across the thinnest stretch of the Isthmus of Tehuantepec. This project was designed to offer an different freight railway path to the Panama Canal, intended to promote commercial progress in the area.
“We will rigorously clarify the reasons behind this accident,” affirmed the country's president.
The president reported that, of the some 250 people on board, another 98 were hurt, with five of those in critical condition. The president added plans to go to Oaxaca to meet those impacted.
Flagship Project of Former Government
The Interoceanic Train was a cornerstone infrastructure project of the former leader, whose time in office concluded the prior year. This venture was closely associated with his government's strategic vision for the southeastern region.
Another multi-billion dollar railway undertaking from that time, a passenger and freight circuit around the Yucatán Peninsula, was also integral to the broader strategy to stimulate the economic fortunes of a relatively poorer part of the country.
Construction Oversight and Worries
The building of both train projects was overseen by the army, marking a significant increase of its role in national projects. They were completed at an fast-tracked pace, defying predictions to be at least partly opened before the end of that government.
However, this fast-paced schedule had also raised persistent apprehensions over safety standards.
- Sunday's accident was the third event on the Interoceanic Train this year.
- This involves an previous crash this month when a train smashed into a truck at a crossing.
- The other major rail project has also seen a couple of non-fatal derailments.
Appeals for Review and Suspension
In the aftermath of the disaster, the chief of a primary political opposition demanded an urgent suspension in the building and running of all such projects.
This stoppage was suggested pending a thorough safety audit. The party stated that the loss of life "requires immediate answers."
In response, the head of state maintained that the train had been running in complete compliance with all security protocols. Promises were given that the government would continue to be "diligent" in both the development and operation of these strategic initiatives.
