A deadly train derailment in the Mexican state of Oaxaca has caused the fatalities of at least 13 people, an incident sure to fuel opposition criticisms regarding the speed and handling of the country's major public works projects.
The accident occurred on the trans-isthmus railway, a line built to connect the Atlantic Ocean and Pacific across the narrowest part of the Isthmus of Tehuantepec. This endeavor was designed to establish an different freight railway path to the Panama Canal, with the goal of spurring economic development in the area.
“We are going to rigorously clarify what caused this incident,” affirmed the head of state.
The president announced that, of the some 250 passengers on board, another 98 were injured, with five of those in critical condition. The official added plans to visit Oaxaca to confer with those affected.
Flagship Project of Past Leadership
The Interoceanic Train was a signature public works project of the previous administration, whose presidency ended the year before. This venture was intimately linked to his government's strategic goals for the southeastern region.
Another multi-billion dollar train initiative from that era, a passenger and freight circuit around the Yucatán Peninsula, was also central to the wider plan to revitalize the economic fortunes of a relatively less developed part of the country.
Building Management and Safety Concerns
The development of both train projects was managed by the nation's military, marking a dramatic expansion of its role in public works. They were completed at an rapid speed, beating forecasts to be partially inaugurated before the end of that government.
However, this fast-paced schedule had concurrently sparked significant concerns over safety standards.
- Sunday's accident was the third such incident on the Interoceanic Train this year.
- This includes an previous crash this month when a train struck a truck at a railroad crossing.
- The other major rail project has also had a couple of non-lethal derailments.
Demands for Audit and Pause
In the wake of the tragedy, the chief of a major opposition party demanded an immediate pause in the building and running of all such projects.
This pause was suggested until the completion of a full technical review. The party stated that the situation "demands immediate answers."
In response, the national leader maintained that the train had been functioning in total adherence to all operational standards. Promises were given that the government would continue to be "diligent" in both the construction and operation of these strategic projects.
