A tragic train crash in the Mexican state of Oaxaca has claimed the lives of at least 13 people, an incident likely to revive opposition criticisms regarding the pace and management of the country's major public works projects.
The accident occurred on the Interoceanic Corridor train, a rail link developed to link the Atlantic and Pacific Ocean across the slenderest section of the Isthmus of Tehuantepec. This project was intended to offer an different freight railway path to the Panama Canal, with the goal of spurring regional growth in the area.
“We shall rigorously clarify what caused this incident,” affirmed the country's president.
The official announced that, of the around 250 people on board, another 98 were hurt, with five of those in critical condition. The president stated plans to go to Oaxaca to confer with those impacted.
Key Undertaking of Former Government
The Interoceanic Train was a central development scheme of the former leader, whose time in office finished the year before. This venture was closely associated with his administration's economic goals for the southern region.
Another multi-billion dollar rail project from that era, a tourist and cargo loop around the Yucatán Peninsula, was also central to the wider plan to stimulate the economic fortunes of a relatively disadvantaged part of the country.
Project Execution and Worries
The building of both train projects was supervised by the armed forces, marking a dramatic increase of its duties in national projects. They were executed at an accelerated rate, surpassing predictions to be partially launched before the end of that government.
However, this rushed timetable had also raised significant apprehensions over operational security.
- Sunday's crash 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 experienced several non-fatal derailments.
Demands for Audit and Pause
In the wake of the tragedy, the chief of a primary political opposition called for an prompt pause in the development and management of all comparable projects.
This pause was suggested pending a comprehensive independent investigation. The party declared that the situation "requires swift accountability."
In reply, the president asserted that the train had been operating in full compliance with all operational standards. Assurances were given that the government would be "responsible" in both the construction and running of these national undertakings.
