A deadly railway accident in the southern state of Oaxaca has caused the fatalities of at least 13 people, an incident likely to revive critical opposition regarding the pace and handling of the country's flagship infrastructure initiatives.
The disaster occurred on the Interoceanic Train, a rail link constructed to join the Atlantic Ocean and Pacific across the thinnest stretch of the Isthmus of Tehuantepec. This project was intended to establish an competing rail corridor to the Panama Canal, aimed at driving regional growth in the area.
“We will rigorously clarify the cause of this tragedy,” stated the country's president.
The president announced that, of the approximately 250 individuals on board, another 98 were wounded, with five of those in grave condition. The president noted plans to go to Oaxaca to meet those affected.
Major Initiative of Previous Administration
The Interoceanic Train was a signature public works project of the immediate past president, whose time in office ended the year before. This rail line was a hallmark of his leadership's developmental vision for the southern region.
Another ambitious train initiative from that time, a passenger and freight circuit around the Yucatán Peninsula, was also part of the broader strategy to revitalize the economic fortunes of a historically poorer part of the country.
Building Management and Worries
The construction of both rail lines was managed by the army, marking a significant growth of its role in civilian infrastructure. They were built at an accelerated rate, beating predictions to be partially opened before the end of that government.
However, this fast-paced schedule had also sparked significant concerns over construction quality.
- Sunday's derailment was the third occurrence on the Interoceanic Train this year.
- This includes an earlier accident this month when a train struck a truck at a level crossing.
- The other major rail project has also had a couple of non-lethal derailments.
Demands for Investigation and Halt
In the wake of the catastrophe, the chief of a primary political opposition called for an immediate suspension in the building and running of all comparable projects.
This stoppage was suggested pending a full technical review. The party stated that the loss of life "demands swift accountability."
In reply, the national leader maintained that the train had been operating in total adherence to all security protocols. Commitments were given that the government would remain "responsible" in both the development and running of these national undertakings.
