A tragic train crash in the Mexican state of Oaxaca has claimed the lives of at least 13 people, an incident likely to revive opposition criticisms regarding the pace and execution of the country's major government projects.
The accident happened on the trans-isthmus railway, a rail link developed to connect the Atlantic and Pacific Ocean across the slenderest section of the Isthmus of Tehuantepec. This project was intended to establish an competing rail corridor to the Panama Canal, with the goal of spurring regional growth in the area.
“We are going to thoroughly investigate the reasons behind this accident,” declared the country's president.
The official reported that, of the approximately 250 people on board, another 98 were hurt, with five of those in critical condition. The official added plans to go to Oaxaca to speak with those involved.
Key Undertaking of Former Government
The Interoceanic Train was a cornerstone development scheme of the immediate past president, whose term ended the prior year. This rail line was closely associated with his administration's economic agenda for the southeastern region.
Another multi-billion dollar train initiative from that time, a passenger and freight circuit around the Yucatán Peninsula, was also central to the comprehensive effort to kickstart the economic fortunes of a comparatively disadvantaged part of the country.
Project Execution and Worries
The development of both train projects was overseen by the armed forces, marking a significant growth of its role in civilian infrastructure. They were completed at an rapid rate, defying predictions to be at least partly launched before the end of that government.
However, this rushed timetable had concurrently raised significant questions over construction quality.
- Sunday's derailment was the third event on the Interoceanic Train within the past twelve months.
- This involves an previous accident this month when a train smashed into a truck at a level crossing.
- The other major rail project has also seen a couple of non-lethal derailments.
Demands for Investigation and Halt
In the wake of the disaster, the leader of a primary political opposition urged an prompt halt in the development and management of all such projects.
This stoppage was requested until the completion of a full safety audit. The party emphasized that the tragedy "calls for swift accountability."
In reaction, the national leader asserted that the train had been functioning in full accordance with all safety requirements. Assurances were given that the government would continue to be "diligent" in both the construction and running of these national initiatives.
