No fewer than 13 people killed and ninety-eight hurt in train crash in Mexico.
A deadly railway accident in the southern state of Oaxaca has claimed the lives of at least 13 people, an incident sure to fuel critical opposition regarding the speed and execution of the country's major government projects.
The accident happened on the Interoceanic Corridor train, a route constructed to link the Atlantic and Pacific across the slenderest section of the Isthmus of Tehuantepec. This endeavor was designed to offer an alternative rail cargo route to the Panama Canal, aimed at driving economic development in the area.
“We shall meticulously determine the cause of this accident,” stated the country's president.
The official reported that, of the approximately 250 passengers on board, another 98 were hurt, with five of those in serious condition. The leader noted plans to go to Oaxaca to speak with those impacted.
Key Undertaking of Past Leadership
The Interoceanic Train was a central development scheme of the immediate past president, whose term ended the year before. This venture was intimately linked to his leadership's developmental vision for the southeastern region.
Another multi-billion dollar railway undertaking from that time, a passenger and freight circuit around the Yucatán Peninsula, was also central to the wider plan to stimulate the economic fortunes of a historically less developed part of the country.
Project Execution and Worries
The building of both train projects was overseen by the armed forces, marking a significant increase of its responsibilities in civilian infrastructure. They were completed at an accelerated rate, beating forecasts to be partially inaugurated before the end of that presidency.
However, this rushed timetable had simultaneously fueled significant concerns over operational security.
- Sunday's derailment was the third occurrence on the Interoceanic Train this year.
- This includes an prior crash this month when a train hit a truck at a level crossing.
- The other major rail project has also had several non-deadly derailments.
Appeals for Investigation and Halt
In the wake of the catastrophe, the chief of a major opposition party demanded an prompt pause in the building and running of all such projects.
This stoppage was suggested until the completion of a full independent investigation. The party stated that the situation "demands prompt explanations."
In reaction, the head of state asserted that the train had been running in complete compliance with all safety requirements. Promises were given that the government would remain "diligent" in both the construction and management of these strategic projects.
