A fatal railway accident in the Mexican state of Oaxaca has claimed the lives of at least 13 people, an incident sure to fuel opposition criticisms regarding the rapidity and management of the country's key public works projects.
The disaster happened on the Interoceanic Train, a line built to join the Atlantic and Pacific Ocean across the narrowest part of the Isthmus of Tehuantepec. This initiative was designed to provide an competing rail corridor to the Panama Canal, aimed at driving economic development in the area.
“We are going to meticulously determine the cause of this incident,” stated the head of state.
The leader reported that, of the approximately 250 passengers on board, another 98 were hurt, with five of those in critical condition. The leader noted plans to visit Oaxaca to meet those affected.
Major Initiative of Previous Administration
The Interoceanic Train was a central infrastructure project of the immediate past president, whose time in office finished the year before. This project was closely associated with his leadership's economic agenda for the southeastern region.
Another multi-billion dollar rail project from that time, a passenger and freight circuit around the Yucatán Peninsula, was also central to the wider plan to kickstart the economy of a historically less developed part of the country.
Project Execution and Safety Concerns
The building of both railway systems was overseen by the armed forces, marking a notable increase of its responsibilities in public projects. They were completed at an accelerated speed, defying forecasts to be partially inaugurated before the end of that administration.
However, this rushed timetable had also raised significant apprehensions over safety standards.
- Sunday's accident was the third such incident on the Interoceanic Train this year.
- This includes an previous accident 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 Audit and Pause
In the wake of the tragedy, the chief of a major opposition party called for an prompt halt in the construction and operation of all comparable projects.
This stoppage was requested pending a comprehensive safety audit. The party stated that the loss of life "requires prompt explanations."
In response, the national leader insisted that the train had been operating in total compliance with all safety requirements. Commitments were given that the government would remain "accountable" in both the construction and management of these national undertakings.
