A deadly train derailment in the Mexican state of Oaxaca has caused the fatalities of at least 13 people, an incident expected to reignite opposition criticisms regarding the speed and handling of the country's major government projects.
The accident occurred on the Interoceanic Train, a line built to join the Atlantic Ocean and Pacific across the narrowest part of the Isthmus of Tehuantepec. This endeavor was created to offer an different freight railway path to the Panama Canal, aimed at driving regional growth in the area.
“We shall thoroughly investigate what caused this tragedy,” affirmed the head of state.
The president announced that, of the around 250 people on board, another 98 were hurt, with five of those in critical condition. The official noted plans to go to Oaxaca to meet those involved.
Key Undertaking of Former Government
The Interoceanic Train was a central infrastructure project of the immediate past president, whose presidency ended the year before. This rail line was closely associated with his government's economic agenda for the southern region.
Another ambitious rail project from that period, a passenger and freight circuit around the Yucatán Peninsula, was also part of the wider plan to kickstart the economic fortunes of a comparatively poorer part of the country.
Construction Oversight and Safety Concerns
The construction of both train projects was overseen by the army, marking a significant increase of its duties in national works. They were built at an rapid rate, beating forecasts to be partially opened before the end of that government.
However, this rushed timetable had simultaneously raised persistent concerns over safety standards.
- Sunday's crash was the third such incident on the Interoceanic Train this year.
- This includes an earlier accident this month when a train smashed into a truck at a level crossing.
- The other major rail project has also seen several non-fatal derailments.
Calls for Review and Suspension
In the wake of the disaster, the head of a key rival party urged an immediate pause in the building and running of all comparable projects.
This stoppage was suggested until the completion of a full independent investigation. The party emphasized that the situation "demands prompt explanations."
In response, the head of state asserted that the train had been running in complete accordance 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.
