A deadly train derailment in the southern state of Oaxaca has caused the fatalities of at least 13 people, an incident likely to revive critical opposition regarding the pace and execution of the country's key public works projects.
The disaster took place on the Interoceanic Train, a line developed to join the Atlantic and Pacific across the slenderest section of the Isthmus of Tehuantepec. This endeavor was created to offer an alternative rail cargo route to the Panama Canal, aimed at driving commercial progress in the area.
“We are going to meticulously determine what caused this accident,” declared the country's president.
The leader confirmed that, of the approximately 250 people on board, another 98 were wounded, with five of those in critical condition. The leader added plans to travel to Oaxaca to meet those impacted.
Key Undertaking of Former Government
The Interoceanic Train was a cornerstone development scheme of the immediate past president, whose presidency concluded the year before. This rail line was closely associated with his leadership's economic goals for the southern region.
Another multi-billion dollar train initiative from that time, a passenger and freight circuit around the Yucatán Peninsula, was also part of the wider plan to kickstart the economy of a comparatively disadvantaged part of the country.
Project Execution and Worries
The building of both rail lines was overseen by the armed forces, marking a significant growth of its responsibilities in public projects. They were executed at an accelerated rate, surpassing forecasts to be partially inaugurated before the end of that government.
However, this accelerated timeline had also sparked persistent apprehensions over construction quality.
- Sunday's crash was the third such incident on the Interoceanic Train in the current 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 a couple of non-deadly derailments.
Calls for Review and Suspension
In the aftermath of the disaster, the chief of a primary political opposition called for an immediate suspension in the building and running of all such projects.
This stoppage was proposed until the completion of a thorough independent investigation. The party emphasized that the situation "requires prompt explanations."
In reaction, the head of state insisted that the train had been operating in total compliance with all security protocols. Assurances were given that the government would be "diligent" in both the development and operation of these national initiatives.