A fatal railway accident in the southern state of Oaxaca has caused the fatalities of at least 13 people, an incident expected to reignite censure from critics regarding the rapidity and execution of the country's key government projects.
The accident happened on the trans-isthmus railway, a route built to join the Atlantic and Pacific Ocean across the thinnest stretch of the Isthmus of Tehuantepec. This project was intended to offer an alternative rail cargo route to the Panama Canal, with the goal of spurring economic development in the area.
“We shall rigorously clarify the cause of this accident,” declared the country's president.
The president reported that, of the around 250 passengers on board, another 98 were hurt, with five of those in grave condition. The official noted plans to go to Oaxaca to confer with those involved.
Flagship Project of Former Government
The Interoceanic Train was a cornerstone development scheme of the previous administration, whose presidency ended the previous year. This rail line was a hallmark of his leadership's developmental goals for the southeastern region.
Another massive railway undertaking from that period, a tourist and cargo loop around the Yucatán Peninsula, was also central to the broader strategy to revitalize the economy of a historically less developed part of the country.
Project Execution and Worries
The building of both railway systems was supervised by the army, marking a dramatic increase of its responsibilities in national works. They were executed at an rapid pace, beating expectations to be partially launched before the end of that presidency.
However, this fast-paced schedule had concurrently sparked persistent questions over safety standards.
- Sunday's crash was the third event on the Interoceanic Train in the current year.
- This includes an earlier accident this month when a train smashed into a truck at a crossing.
- The other major rail project has also seen a couple of non-fatal derailments.
Calls for Audit and Pause
In the aftermath of the catastrophe, the head of a major opposition party called for an urgent halt in the building and running of all such projects.
This halt was suggested while awaiting a comprehensive technical review. The party declared that the loss of life "calls for swift accountability."
In reply, the head of state asserted that the train had been operating in complete adherence to all operational standards. Commitments were given that the government would continue to be "diligent" in both the development and management of these national undertakings.
