A deadly train crash in the Mexican 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 major public works projects.
The crash took place on the trans-isthmus railway, a rail link built to connect the Atlantic Ocean and Pacific across the narrowest part of the Isthmus of Tehuantepec. This project was intended to establish an different freight railway path to the Panama Canal, aimed at driving economic development in the area.
“We will meticulously determine the reasons behind this incident,” declared the national leader.
The president confirmed that, of the approximately 250 individuals on board, another 98 were injured, with five of those in serious condition. The president noted plans to visit Oaxaca to confer with those impacted.
Flagship Project of Former Government
The Interoceanic Train was a central public works project of the immediate past president, whose term finished the previous year. This rail line was intimately linked to his government's developmental vision for the southern region.
Another massive train initiative from that era, a tourist and cargo loop around the Yucatán Peninsula, was also integral to the comprehensive effort to kickstart the economic fortunes of a historically poorer part of the country.
Construction Oversight and Safety Concerns
The building of both train projects was overseen by the armed forces, marking a notable increase of its role in public infrastructure. They were built at an fast-tracked pace, beating predictions to be partially opened before the end of that presidency.
However, this fast-paced schedule had also sparked significant questions over construction quality.
- Sunday's crash was the third occurrence on the Interoceanic Train in the current year.
- This encompasses an previous collision this month when a train smashed into a truck at a railroad crossing.
- The other major rail project has also experienced a couple of non-deadly derailments.
Appeals for Audit and Pause
In the aftermath of the tragedy, the leader of a primary political opposition urged an urgent pause in the development and management of all such projects.
This pause was proposed pending a thorough safety audit. The party declared that the loss of life "demands swift accountability."
In reaction, the president insisted that the train had been functioning in full adherence to all operational standards. Commitments were given that the government would be "accountable" in both the construction and running of these national undertakings.
