A deadly train crash in the Mexican state of Oaxaca has caused the fatalities of at least 13 people, an incident sure to fuel censure from critics regarding the speed and handling of the country's major public works projects.
The crash took place on the Interoceanic Corridor train, a line developed to connect the Atlantic and Pacific Ocean across the slenderest section of the Isthmus of Tehuantepec. This project was created to offer an competing rail corridor to the Panama Canal, with the goal of spurring economic development in the area.
“We are going to meticulously determine the cause of this incident,” declared the head of state.
The president confirmed that, of the some 250 people on board, another 98 were wounded, with five of those in critical condition. The official added plans to visit Oaxaca to confer with those impacted.
Flagship Project of Past Leadership
The Interoceanic Train was a signature public works project of the immediate past president, whose presidency ended the previous year. This project was intimately linked to his government's economic goals for the southern region.
Another massive rail project from that period, a tourist and cargo loop around the Yucatán Peninsula, was also part of the comprehensive effort to stimulate the economic fortunes of a relatively poorer part of the country.
Construction Oversight and Safety Concerns
The building of both rail lines was supervised by the armed forces, marking a dramatic expansion of its duties in public works. They were completed at an accelerated rate, defying forecasts to be at least partly opened before the end of that administration.
However, this rushed timetable had simultaneously fueled significant concerns over safety standards.
- Sunday's crash was the third occurrence on the Interoceanic Train within the past twelve months.
- This involves an earlier crash this month when a train hit a truck at a crossing.
- The other major rail project has also seen several non-deadly derailments.
Calls for Investigation and Halt
In the wake of the catastrophe, the chief of a major opposition party urged an immediate pause in the building and running of all similar projects.
This pause was proposed while awaiting a comprehensive safety audit. The party emphasized that the loss of life "calls for immediate answers."
In reaction, the head of state asserted that the train had been functioning in complete accordance with all safety requirements. Assurances were given that the government would remain "responsible" in both the development and operation of these vital undertakings.
