A tragic train derailment in the southern state of Oaxaca has resulted in the deaths of at least 13 people, an incident likely to revive critical opposition regarding the rapidity and handling of the country's major public works projects.
The disaster happened on the Interoceanic Train, a line built to link the Atlantic Ocean and Pacific Ocean across the slenderest section of the Isthmus of Tehuantepec. This project was designed to establish an competing rail corridor to the Panama Canal, with the goal of spurring regional growth in the area.
“We shall thoroughly investigate what caused 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 grave condition. The leader added plans to go to Oaxaca to confer with those impacted.
Major Initiative of Former Government
The Interoceanic Train was a cornerstone infrastructure project of the immediate past president, whose term finished the previous year. This rail line was closely associated with his government's developmental goals for the southeastern 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 relatively disadvantaged part of the country.
Building Management and Worries
The building of both railway systems was supervised by the nation's military, marking a dramatic growth of its responsibilities in national projects. They were built at an fast-tracked rate, surpassing expectations to be partially inaugurated before the end of that government.
However, this fast-paced schedule had simultaneously raised significant questions over safety standards.
- Sunday's derailment was the third occurrence on the Interoceanic Train this year.
- This involves an prior collision this month when a train hit a truck at a crossing.
- The other major rail project has also had a couple of non-fatal derailments.
Calls for Investigation and Halt
In the aftermath of the catastrophe, the leader of a primary political opposition urged an prompt suspension in the building and running of all comparable projects.
This pause was suggested pending a full independent investigation. The party emphasized that the situation "requires immediate answers."
In reaction, the national leader insisted that the train had been operating in complete accordance with all safety requirements. Promises were given that the government would be "diligent" in both the construction and management of these national undertakings.
