A deadly railway accident in the southern state of Oaxaca has caused the fatalities of at least 13 people, an incident likely to revive opposition criticisms regarding the speed and handling of the country's major infrastructure initiatives.
The crash occurred on the Interoceanic Train, a route constructed to connect the Atlantic and Pacific Ocean across the slenderest section of the Isthmus of Tehuantepec. This initiative was created to offer an alternative rail cargo route to the Panama Canal, aimed at driving economic development in the area.
“We are going to rigorously clarify what caused this incident,” declared the country's president.
The leader reported that, of the some 250 passengers on board, another 98 were injured, with five of those in serious condition. The leader added plans to visit Oaxaca to speak with those involved.
Key Undertaking of Former Government
The Interoceanic Train was a cornerstone development scheme of the previous administration, whose time in office ended the prior year. This rail line was closely associated with his government's economic goals for the southern 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 economic fortunes of a historically poorer part of the country.
Building Management and Worries
The building of both railway systems was overseen by the nation's military, marking a significant expansion of its duties in public infrastructure. They were executed at an accelerated rate, defying predictions to be at least partly opened before the end of that presidency.
However, this rushed timetable had simultaneously sparked ongoing concerns over construction quality.
- Sunday's crash was the third event on the Interoceanic Train in the current year.
- This includes an prior collision this month when a train hit a truck at a railroad crossing.
- The other major rail project has also had a couple of non-deadly derailments.
Calls for Investigation and Halt
In the aftermath of the disaster, the leader of a major opposition party called for an urgent halt in the building and running of all similar projects.
This halt was proposed until the completion of a thorough independent investigation. The party stated that the situation "requires prompt explanations."
In reaction, the national leader maintained that the train had been functioning in complete adherence to all security protocols. Promises were given that the government would be "diligent" in both the development and operation of these strategic initiatives.
