A deadly railway accident in the southern state of Oaxaca has claimed the lives of at least 13 people, an incident likely to revive censure from critics regarding the speed and execution of the country's major government projects.
The disaster occurred on the trans-isthmus railway, a line built to link the Atlantic and Pacific across the narrowest part of the Isthmus of Tehuantepec. This endeavor was designed to offer an different freight railway path to the Panama Canal, aimed at driving economic development in the area.
“We will thoroughly investigate the cause of this accident,” declared the national leader.
The leader confirmed that, of the around 250 passengers on board, another 98 were wounded, with five of those in serious condition. The president noted plans to travel to Oaxaca to confer with those affected.
Key Undertaking of Former Government
The Interoceanic Train was a signature infrastructure project of the previous administration, whose time in office finished the year before. This venture was intimately linked to his government's economic goals for the southeastern region.
Another massive railway undertaking from that period, a passenger and freight circuit around the Yucatán Peninsula, was also integral to the comprehensive effort to stimulate the economy of a comparatively poorer part of the country.
Building Management and Worries
The building of both rail lines was managed by the armed forces, marking a notable growth of its role in national infrastructure. They were completed at an rapid rate, beating forecasts to be at least partly inaugurated before the end of that presidency.
However, this fast-paced schedule had also sparked ongoing questions over safety standards.
- Sunday's crash was the third occurrence on the Interoceanic Train in the current year.
- This includes an previous accident this month when a train hit a truck at a railroad crossing.
- The other major rail project has also seen a couple of non-deadly derailments.
Calls for Review and Suspension
In the wake of the tragedy, the chief of a key rival party urged an prompt halt in the building and running of all such projects.
This halt was proposed pending a full safety audit. The party emphasized that the tragedy "demands immediate answers."
In reply, the head of state asserted that the train had been operating in complete compliance with all safety requirements. Promises were given that the government would continue to be "accountable" in both the construction and running of these strategic undertakings.
