A deadly 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 pace and handling of the country's key infrastructure initiatives.
The disaster occurred on the Interoceanic Corridor train, a rail link developed to link the Atlantic Ocean and Pacific across the thinnest stretch of the Isthmus of Tehuantepec. This endeavor was designed to offer an competing rail corridor to the Panama Canal, aimed at driving regional growth in the area.
“We shall thoroughly investigate what caused this tragedy,” affirmed the national leader.
The official reported that, of the around 250 people on board, another 98 were wounded, with five of those in serious condition. The president noted plans to visit Oaxaca to meet those impacted.
Major Initiative of Former Government
The Interoceanic Train was a signature development scheme of the previous administration, whose time in office finished the year before. This venture was closely associated with his leadership's developmental vision for the southern region.
Another massive train initiative from that time, a passenger and freight circuit around the Yucatán Peninsula, was also part of the wider plan to stimulate the economic fortunes of a historically less developed part of the country.
Building Management and Safety Concerns
The development of both train projects was managed by the army, marking a dramatic growth of its responsibilities in public projects. They were built at an fast-tracked rate, surpassing forecasts to be at least partly inaugurated before the end of that government.
However, this rushed timetable had also raised persistent questions over construction quality.
- Sunday's crash was the third such incident on the Interoceanic Train this year.
- This involves an previous crash this month when a train struck a truck at a railroad crossing.
- The other major rail project has also seen a couple of non-fatal derailments.
Appeals for Review and Suspension
In the wake of the disaster, the chief of a major opposition party demanded an urgent halt in the construction and operation of all similar projects.
This pause was proposed pending a comprehensive technical review. The party declared that the loss of life "calls for prompt explanations."
In response, the head of state maintained that the train had been operating in complete accordance with all safety requirements. Promises were given that the government would remain "accountable" in both the construction and running of these strategic initiatives.
