A deadly train derailment in the Mexican state of Oaxaca has resulted in the deaths of at least 13 people, an incident expected to reignite opposition criticisms regarding the pace and execution of the country's major government projects.
The accident took place on the Interoceanic Train, a rail link constructed to join the Atlantic Ocean and Pacific across the thinnest stretch of the Isthmus of Tehuantepec. This endeavor was intended to establish an different freight railway path to the Panama Canal, intended to promote regional growth in the area.
“We will meticulously determine what caused this incident,” affirmed the national leader.
The president confirmed that, of the some 250 people on board, another 98 were wounded, with five of those in grave condition. The leader noted plans to visit Oaxaca to confer with those involved.
Flagship Project of Previous Administration
The Interoceanic Train was a central public works project of the former leader, whose time in office finished the prior year. This project was a hallmark of his leadership's developmental goals for the southeastern region.
Another massive railway undertaking from that time, a passenger and freight circuit around the Yucatán Peninsula, was also central to the wider plan to kickstart the economic fortunes of a relatively poorer part of the country.
Construction Oversight and Risks Apprehensions
The building of both train projects was managed by the army, marking a notable growth of its duties in public works. They were completed at an accelerated speed, defying forecasts to be at least partly opened before the end of that administration.
However, this fast-paced schedule had also sparked ongoing questions over safety standards.
- Sunday's accident was the third such incident on the Interoceanic Train this year.
- This includes an previous collision this month when a train smashed into a truck at a crossing.
- The other major rail project has also seen two non-deadly derailments.
Calls for Investigation and Halt
In the aftermath of the tragedy, the leader of a major opposition party demanded an urgent pause in the construction and operation of all comparable projects.
This stoppage was requested while awaiting a full technical review. The party emphasized that the loss of life "requires swift accountability."
In response, the head of state insisted that the train had been operating in total accordance with all safety requirements. Commitments were given that the government would remain "accountable" in both the construction and operation of these national undertakings.
