A deadly train crash in the Mexican state of Oaxaca has caused the fatalities of at least 13 people, an incident expected to reignite opposition criticisms regarding the rapidity and execution of the country's major infrastructure initiatives.
The accident took place on the trans-isthmus railway, a route constructed to link the Atlantic Ocean and Pacific Ocean across the slenderest section of the Isthmus of Tehuantepec. This initiative was intended to offer an competing rail corridor to the Panama Canal, aimed at driving regional growth in the area.
“We are going to meticulously determine what caused this accident,” affirmed the head of state.
The president announced that, of the around 250 passengers on board, another 98 were injured, with five of those in critical condition. The official stated plans to travel to Oaxaca to speak with those affected.
Flagship Project of Past Leadership
The Interoceanic Train was a central public works project of the former leader, whose term concluded the year before. This venture was closely associated with his leadership's developmental goals for the southeastern region.
Another multi-billion dollar rail project from that era, a tourist and cargo loop around the Yucatán Peninsula, was also central to the broader strategy to stimulate the economy of a historically disadvantaged part of the country.
Project Execution and Risks Apprehensions
The building of both train projects was supervised by the armed forces, marking a notable increase of its responsibilities in national projects. They were executed at an accelerated pace, beating expectations to be at least partly opened before the end of that government.
However, this fast-paced schedule had also fueled significant questions over safety standards.
- Sunday's crash was the third event on the Interoceanic Train this year.
- This includes an earlier crash this month when a train smashed into a truck at a level crossing.
- The other major rail project has also had several non-fatal derailments.
Calls for Audit and Pause
In the aftermath of the disaster, the chief of a key rival party urged an immediate halt in the building and running of all similar projects.
This stoppage was proposed pending a comprehensive technical review. The party stated that the tragedy "requires immediate answers."
In reaction, the national leader insisted that the train had been operating in total compliance with all safety requirements. Commitments were given that the government would be "responsible" in both the development and operation of these strategic projects.
