A deadly railway accident in the Mexican state of Oaxaca has claimed the lives of at least 13 people, an incident expected to reignite opposition criticisms regarding the pace and handling of the country's key public works projects.
The accident happened on the Interoceanic Corridor train, a line constructed to join the Atlantic and Pacific Ocean across the thinnest stretch of the Isthmus of Tehuantepec. This project was intended to establish an different freight railway path to the Panama Canal, aimed at driving regional growth in the area.
“We shall rigorously clarify the reasons behind this accident,” affirmed the head of state.
The official confirmed that, of the around 250 people on board, another 98 were hurt, with five of those in grave condition. The president stated plans to go to Oaxaca to speak with those involved.
Major Initiative of Former Government
The Interoceanic Train was a central development scheme of the former leader, whose term finished the previous year. This project was intimately linked to his administration's economic vision for the southern region.
Another ambitious rail project from that time, a tourist and cargo loop around the Yucatán Peninsula, was also part of the broader strategy to stimulate the economic fortunes of a comparatively disadvantaged part of the country.
Construction Oversight and Worries
The development of both rail lines was supervised by the army, marking a significant expansion of its duties in civilian works. They were executed at an accelerated pace, defying expectations to be at least partly inaugurated before the end of that government.
However, this fast-paced schedule had also raised ongoing apprehensions over construction quality.
- Sunday's derailment was the third event on the Interoceanic Train this year.
- This includes an previous accident this month when a train smashed into a truck at a level crossing.
- The other major rail project has also experienced two non-fatal derailments.
Calls for Audit and Pause
In the aftermath of the disaster, the chief of a key rival party called for an urgent halt in the development and management of all comparable projects.
This halt was proposed pending a full independent investigation. The party declared that the loss of life "requires prompt explanations."
In reaction, the national leader insisted that the train had been operating in full compliance with all safety requirements. Commitments were given that the government would remain "diligent" in both the construction and running of these vital undertakings.
