A deadly railway accident in the southern state of Oaxaca has caused the fatalities of at least 13 people, an incident expected to reignite opposition criticisms regarding the rapidity and handling of the country's major public works projects.
The disaster occurred on the Interoceanic Corridor train, a rail link built to connect the Atlantic Ocean and Pacific across the narrowest part of the Isthmus of Tehuantepec. This endeavor was created to offer an alternative rail cargo route to the Panama Canal, intended to promote regional growth in the area.
“We are going to thoroughly investigate what caused this incident,” declared the head of state.
The official reported that, of the approximately 250 individuals on board, another 98 were wounded, with five of those in grave condition. The president noted plans to visit Oaxaca to speak with those impacted.
Major Initiative of Former Government
The Interoceanic Train was a central public works project of the former leader, whose presidency concluded the prior year. This project was a hallmark of his leadership's economic vision for the southern region.
Another multi-billion dollar rail project from that period, a passenger and freight circuit around the Yucatán Peninsula, was also integral to the wider plan to revitalize the economy of a relatively poorer part of the country.
Building Management and Risks Apprehensions
The construction of both rail lines was overseen by the army, marking a notable growth of its role in national works. They were built at an fast-tracked pace, surpassing expectations to be partially inaugurated before the end of that government.
However, this accelerated timeline had also fueled ongoing apprehensions over operational security.
- Sunday's derailment was the third event on the Interoceanic Train this year.
- This includes an earlier accident this month when a train smashed into a truck at a railroad crossing.
- The other major rail project has also had two non-fatal derailments.
Demands for Investigation and Halt
In the aftermath of the catastrophe, the head of a major opposition party demanded an prompt suspension in the building and running of all such projects.
This stoppage was requested pending a full technical review. The party declared that the situation "requires prompt explanations."
In reply, the national leader asserted that the train had been operating in total compliance with all security protocols. Promises were given that the government would continue to be "diligent" in both the development and management of these vital undertakings.
