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 opposition criticisms regarding the pace and handling of the country's flagship public works projects.
The accident happened on the Interoceanic Corridor train, a rail link constructed to join the Atlantic and Pacific Ocean across the thinnest stretch of the Isthmus of Tehuantepec. This project was intended to provide an different freight railway path to the Panama Canal, aimed at driving regional growth in the area.
“We shall thoroughly investigate what caused this accident,” declared the national leader.
The president announced that, of the some 250 people on board, another 98 were injured, with five of those in grave condition. The leader stated plans to travel to Oaxaca to meet those affected.
Key Undertaking of Previous Administration
The Interoceanic Train was a central public works project of the previous administration, whose time in office concluded the prior year. This rail line was a hallmark of his leadership's developmental agenda for the southern region.
Another multi-billion dollar rail project from that time, a passenger and freight circuit around the Yucatán Peninsula, was also integral to the wider plan to kickstart the economic fortunes of a historically disadvantaged part of the country.
Construction Oversight and Worries
The building of both rail lines was overseen by the nation's military, marking a notable expansion of its responsibilities in national works. They were executed at an fast-tracked pace, beating predictions to be partially opened before the end of that administration.
However, this accelerated timeline had also sparked significant concerns over construction quality.
- Sunday's accident was the third occurrence on the Interoceanic Train this year.
- This includes an earlier accident this month when a train smashed into a truck at a railroad crossing.
- The other major rail project has also had a couple of non-deadly derailments.
Demands for Investigation and Halt
In the wake of the catastrophe, the leader of a primary political opposition demanded an immediate halt in the building and running of all comparable projects.
This stoppage was suggested until the completion of a comprehensive technical review. The party declared that the loss of life "calls for immediate answers."
In reply, the head of state maintained that the train had been operating in full adherence to all security protocols. Assurances were given that the government would continue to be "accountable" in both the development and management of these strategic undertakings.
