A fatal train crash 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 handling of the country's flagship infrastructure initiatives.
The crash took place on the Interoceanic Corridor train, a rail link developed to link the Atlantic and Pacific across the thinnest stretch of the Isthmus of Tehuantepec. This project was intended to provide an different freight railway path to the Panama Canal, aimed at driving economic development in the area.
“We will rigorously clarify what caused this tragedy,” affirmed the head of state.
The official confirmed that, of the some 250 passengers on board, another 98 were injured, with five of those in critical condition. The official added plans to go to Oaxaca to speak with those impacted.
Major Initiative of Previous Administration
The Interoceanic Train was a signature development scheme of the immediate past president, whose time in office concluded the previous year. This rail line was a hallmark of his government's developmental goals for the southern region.
Another massive rail project from that time, a passenger and freight circuit around the Yucatán Peninsula, was also integral to the wider plan to revitalize the economy of a historically less developed part of the country.
Project Execution and Risks Apprehensions
The building of both train projects was supervised by the armed forces, marking a significant increase of its responsibilities in civilian infrastructure. They were completed at an fast-tracked pace, defying predictions to be at least partly inaugurated before the end of that government.
However, this rushed timetable had also fueled significant apprehensions over operational security.
- Sunday's crash was the third such incident on the Interoceanic Train in the current year.
- This involves an earlier collision this month when a train hit a truck at a railroad crossing.
- The other major rail project has also had two non-lethal derailments.
Calls for Investigation and Halt
In the aftermath of the tragedy, the head of a key rival party urged an immediate halt in the building and running of all comparable projects.
This halt was suggested pending a full technical review. The party stated that the loss of life "demands prompt explanations."
In reaction, the head of state maintained that the train had been running in full adherence to all safety requirements. Commitments were given that the government would remain "responsible" in both the development and running of these vital undertakings.
