A tragic train derailment in the southern state of Oaxaca has resulted in the deaths of at least 13 people, an incident sure to fuel opposition criticisms regarding the speed and management of the country's key infrastructure initiatives.
The disaster happened on the Interoceanic Corridor train, a rail link developed to connect the Atlantic and Pacific Ocean across the thinnest stretch of the Isthmus of Tehuantepec. This project was designed to offer an competing rail corridor to the Panama Canal, with the goal of spurring economic development in the area.
“We are going to thoroughly investigate the reasons behind this accident,” affirmed the national leader.
The leader announced that, of the some 250 individuals on board, another 98 were wounded, with five of those in critical condition. The official added plans to go to Oaxaca to confer with those impacted.
Flagship Project of Previous Administration
The Interoceanic Train was a signature infrastructure project of the previous administration, whose time in office concluded the year before. This venture was a hallmark of his administration's strategic goals for the southern region.
Another massive railway undertaking from that time, a tourist and cargo loop around the Yucatán Peninsula, was also integral to the comprehensive effort to stimulate the economy of a comparatively poorer part of the country.
Construction Oversight and Worries
The building of both train projects was supervised by the army, marking a dramatic increase of its role in public works. They were built at an accelerated speed, surpassing predictions to be partially launched before the end of that government.
However, this accelerated timeline had concurrently raised persistent questions over construction quality.
- Sunday's accident was the third occurrence on the Interoceanic Train this year.
- This includes an prior accident this month when a train smashed into a truck at a crossing.
- The other major rail project has also seen a couple of non-lethal derailments.
Demands for Investigation and Halt
In the wake of the disaster, the leader of a key rival party demanded an immediate pause in the building and running of all similar projects.
This pause was requested until the completion of a full safety audit. The party emphasized that the situation "requires swift accountability."
In reaction, the president maintained that the train had been running in total compliance with all safety requirements. Promises were given that the government would be "responsible" in both the development and running of these strategic undertakings.
