A fatal railway accident in the southern state of Oaxaca has claimed the lives of at least 13 people, an incident sure to fuel censure from critics regarding the rapidity and handling of the country's key government projects.
The disaster took place on the trans-isthmus railway, a line constructed to connect the Atlantic and Pacific across the narrowest part of the Isthmus of Tehuantepec. This project was designed to establish an different freight railway path to the Panama Canal, aimed at driving commercial progress in the area.
“We shall thoroughly investigate the reasons behind this tragedy,” stated the head of state.
The president reported that, of the approximately 250 people on board, another 98 were hurt, with five of those in grave condition. The official stated plans to go to Oaxaca to confer with those impacted.
Key Undertaking of Previous Administration
The Interoceanic Train was a cornerstone public works project of the previous administration, whose term finished the previous year. This project was closely associated with his government's economic agenda for the southern region.
Another massive rail project from that period, a passenger and freight circuit around the Yucatán Peninsula, was also part of the wider plan to kickstart the economy of a comparatively poorer part of the country.
Construction Oversight and Safety Concerns
The construction of both railway systems was supervised by the armed forces, marking a dramatic expansion of its role in national works. They were executed at an accelerated rate, beating forecasts to be partially inaugurated before the end of that administration.
However, this fast-paced schedule had also sparked persistent apprehensions over construction quality.
- Sunday's accident was the third event on the Interoceanic Train in the current year.
- This includes 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-fatal derailments.
Calls for Investigation and Halt
In the aftermath of the tragedy, the chief of a key rival party called for an immediate pause in the building and running of all similar projects.
This pause was requested until the completion of a thorough independent investigation. The party stated that the tragedy "calls for immediate answers."
In response, the national leader insisted that the train had been operating in full compliance with all safety requirements. Assurances were given that the government would be "responsible" in both the construction and management of these vital undertakings.
