A deadly railway accident in the southern state of Oaxaca has resulted in the deaths of at least 13 people, an incident sure to fuel critical opposition regarding the pace and management of the country's flagship public works projects.
The disaster occurred on the Interoceanic Train, a rail link developed to link the Atlantic and Pacific Ocean across the slenderest section of the Isthmus of Tehuantepec. This initiative was intended to offer an competing rail corridor to the Panama Canal, intended to promote economic development in the area.
“We shall rigorously clarify the cause of this accident,” affirmed the national leader.
The president announced that, of the some 250 people on board, another 98 were injured, with five of those in serious condition. The leader added plans to go to Oaxaca to meet those involved.
Major Initiative of Previous Administration
The Interoceanic Train was a central infrastructure project of the previous administration, whose time in office concluded the year before. This venture was closely associated with his administration's developmental agenda for the southeastern region.
Another multi-billion dollar railway undertaking from that time, a passenger and freight circuit around the Yucatán Peninsula, was also central to the comprehensive effort to kickstart the economic fortunes of a relatively disadvantaged part of the country.
Building Management and Worries
The development of both train projects was supervised by the army, marking a significant increase of its duties in public projects. They were completed at an rapid rate, defying predictions to be at least partly inaugurated before the end of that government.
However, this fast-paced schedule had also fueled significant questions over safety standards.
- Sunday's derailment was the third occurrence on the Interoceanic Train in the current year.
- This includes an prior accident this month when a train struck a truck at a level crossing.
- The other major rail project has also had two non-fatal derailments.
Demands for Audit and Pause
In the wake of the catastrophe, the chief of a major opposition party demanded an prompt pause in the development and management of all such projects.
This pause was suggested until the completion of a comprehensive independent investigation. The party emphasized that the tragedy "calls for immediate answers."
In reaction, the head of state maintained that the train had been running in complete accordance with all operational standards. Assurances were given that the government would be "diligent" in both the development and management of these vital undertakings.
