A deadly railway accident in the southern state of Oaxaca has resulted in the deaths of at least 13 people, an incident likely to revive opposition criticisms regarding the pace and execution of the country's key infrastructure initiatives.
The disaster took place on the trans-isthmus railway, a route built to connect the Atlantic Ocean and Pacific across the thinnest stretch of the Isthmus of Tehuantepec. This initiative was intended to establish an alternative rail cargo route to the Panama Canal, intended to promote regional growth in the area.
“We are going to rigorously clarify the reasons behind this accident,” stated the head of state.
The official announced that, of the approximately 250 individuals on board, another 98 were hurt, with five of those in serious condition. The official added plans to visit Oaxaca to meet those affected.
Flagship Project of Former Government
The Interoceanic Train was a cornerstone development scheme of the previous administration, whose time in office ended the previous year. This venture was intimately linked to his leadership's developmental agenda 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 kickstart the economic fortunes of a comparatively poorer part of the country.
Project Execution and Risks Apprehensions
The building of both train projects was supervised by the army, marking a notable growth of its role in national infrastructure. They were built at an fast-tracked speed, surpassing predictions to be partially inaugurated before the end of that government.
However, this rushed timetable had concurrently sparked persistent concerns over construction quality.
- Sunday's derailment was the third such incident on the Interoceanic Train in the current year.
- This involves an prior collision this month when a train hit a truck at a railroad crossing.
- The other major rail project has also experienced a couple of non-fatal derailments.
Demands for Review and Suspension
In the wake of the tragedy, the chief of a key rival party urged an prompt pause in the building and running of all similar projects.
This stoppage was proposed while awaiting a comprehensive safety audit. The party emphasized that the situation "demands prompt explanations."
In reaction, the head of state asserted that the train had been operating in total accordance with all safety requirements. Commitments were given that the government would be "diligent" in both the construction and management of these national projects.
