A deadly railway accident in the southern state of Oaxaca has resulted in the deaths of at least 13 people, an incident likely to revive critical opposition regarding the rapidity and handling of the country's flagship public works projects.
The accident happened on the trans-isthmus railway, a rail link built to connect the Atlantic Ocean and Pacific Ocean across the narrowest part of the Isthmus of Tehuantepec. This endeavor was designed to offer an alternative rail cargo route to the Panama Canal, aimed at driving regional growth in the area.
“We will thoroughly investigate what caused this accident,” stated the head of state.
The president confirmed that, of the some 250 individuals on board, another 98 were hurt, with five of those in critical condition. The president noted plans to visit Oaxaca to confer with those impacted.
Key Undertaking of Previous Administration
The Interoceanic Train was a signature public works project of the immediate past president, whose time in office ended the year before. This project was closely associated with his government's economic vision for the southeastern region.
Another massive railway undertaking from that era, a tourist and cargo loop around the Yucatán Peninsula, was also integral to the broader strategy to revitalize the economy of a comparatively disadvantaged part of the country.
Construction Oversight and Worries
The construction of both train projects was managed by the nation's military, marking a dramatic expansion of its duties in national works. They were executed at an accelerated pace, beating predictions to be partially opened before the end of that presidency.
However, this accelerated timeline had concurrently fueled significant questions over operational security.
- Sunday's accident was the third event on the Interoceanic Train in the current year.
- This includes an prior accident this month when a train hit a truck at a railroad crossing.
- The other major rail project has also had several non-fatal derailments.
Demands for Investigation and Halt
In the aftermath of the disaster, the leader of a major opposition party called for an prompt pause in the construction and operation of all such projects.
This halt was requested pending a comprehensive technical review. The party stated that the tragedy "demands prompt explanations."
In reply, the president maintained that the train had been functioning in complete compliance with all operational standards. Assurances were given that the government would remain "responsible" in both the development and operation of these national projects.
