A deadly train derailment in the southern state of Oaxaca has claimed the lives of at least 13 people, an incident likely to revive critical opposition regarding the rapidity and management of the country's major infrastructure initiatives.
The crash happened on the Interoceanic Corridor train, a line developed to link the Atlantic Ocean and Pacific across the slenderest section of the Isthmus of Tehuantepec. This initiative was intended to provide an different freight railway path to the Panama Canal, aimed at driving economic development in the area.
“We shall rigorously clarify the reasons behind this incident,” affirmed the country's president.
The official announced that, of the some 250 people on board, another 98 were injured, with five of those in grave condition. The leader added plans to travel to Oaxaca to meet those involved.
Key Undertaking of Previous Administration
The Interoceanic Train was a central public works project of the former leader, whose term concluded the prior year. This rail line was a hallmark of his leadership's economic goals for the southeastern region.
Another ambitious railway undertaking from that time, a passenger and freight circuit around the Yucatán Peninsula, was also central to the wider plan to stimulate the economy of a historically less developed part of the country.
Construction Oversight and Risks Apprehensions
The development of both railway systems was supervised by the army, marking a significant increase of its role in public infrastructure. They were executed at an rapid speed, surpassing forecasts to be at least partly opened before the end of that government.
However, this rushed timetable had simultaneously sparked significant questions over construction quality.
- Sunday's crash was the third event on the Interoceanic Train within the past twelve months.
- This includes an previous crash this month when a train hit a truck at a railroad crossing.
- The other major rail project has also seen a couple of non-deadly derailments.
Calls for Investigation and Halt
In the aftermath of the catastrophe, the chief of a key rival party called for an urgent halt in the construction and operation of all such projects.
This pause was proposed pending a thorough technical review. The party emphasized that the situation "requires prompt explanations."
In reply, the national leader maintained that the train had been running in full compliance with all safety requirements. Promises were given that the government would continue to be "responsible" in both the construction and running of these strategic initiatives.
