A deadly railway accident in the southern state of Oaxaca has caused the fatalities of at least 13 people, an incident expected to reignite opposition criticisms regarding the rapidity and management of the country's flagship public works projects.
The accident took place on the Interoceanic Corridor train, a route developed to link the Atlantic Ocean and Pacific Ocean across the thinnest stretch of the Isthmus of Tehuantepec. This project was designed to establish an different freight railway path to the Panama Canal, aimed at driving regional growth in the area.
“We will rigorously clarify the reasons behind this incident,” affirmed the country's president.
The president reported that, of the around 250 passengers on board, another 98 were wounded, with five of those in critical condition. The leader noted plans to travel to Oaxaca to speak with those affected.
Flagship Project of Previous Administration
The Interoceanic Train was a central infrastructure project of the immediate past president, whose presidency concluded the previous year. This project was intimately linked to his administration's developmental goals for the southern region.
Another multi-billion dollar rail project from that period, 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 Risks Apprehensions
The building of both train projects was managed by the nation's military, marking a dramatic growth of its role in civilian projects. They were built at an rapid speed, defying expectations to be at least partly opened before the end of that administration.
However, this fast-paced schedule had also sparked ongoing concerns over operational security.
- Sunday's derailment was the third event on the Interoceanic Train this year.
- This includes an prior collision this month when a train hit a truck at a railroad crossing.
- The other major rail project has also experienced several non-deadly derailments.
Calls for Review and Suspension
In the aftermath of the disaster, the leader of a key rival party demanded an immediate suspension in the development and management of all such projects.
This stoppage was requested until the completion of a comprehensive technical review. The party declared that the tragedy "calls for swift accountability."
In reply, the president insisted that the train had been running in full adherence to all safety requirements. Assurances were given that the government would continue to be "diligent" in both the development and running of these vital projects.
