A minimum of thirteen people lose their lives and 98 wounded in rail accident in Mexico.
A deadly train crash in the southern state of Oaxaca has caused the fatalities of at least 13 people, an incident expected to reignite opposition criticisms regarding the pace and execution of the country's major infrastructure initiatives.
The accident took place on the trans-isthmus railway, a line built to join the Atlantic Ocean and Pacific Ocean across the thinnest stretch of the Isthmus of Tehuantepec. This project was designed to offer an different freight railway path to the Panama Canal, intended to promote commercial progress in the area.
“We are going to thoroughly investigate what caused this tragedy,” affirmed the head of state.
The official confirmed that, of the around 250 passengers on board, another 98 were wounded, with five of those in serious condition. The president 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 previous administration, whose presidency ended the prior year. This rail line was a hallmark of his government's developmental agenda for the southeastern region.
Another massive rail project from that period, a tourist and cargo loop around the Yucatán Peninsula, was also part of the comprehensive effort to revitalize the economy of a relatively less developed part of the country.
Construction Oversight and Worries
The construction of both train projects was overseen by the army, marking a dramatic increase of its role in public infrastructure. They were completed at an accelerated pace, beating expectations to be at least partly launched before the end of that administration.
However, this accelerated timeline had also fueled significant concerns over safety standards.
- Sunday's crash was the third such incident on the Interoceanic Train this year.
- This includes an previous crash this month when a train struck a truck at a crossing.
- The other major rail project has also had several non-fatal derailments.
Demands for Review and Suspension
In the aftermath of the tragedy, the head of a major opposition party demanded an prompt pause in the construction and operation of all similar projects.
This pause was suggested pending a full technical review. The party stated that the loss of life "demands prompt explanations."
In response, the national leader insisted that the train had been operating in full accordance with all safety requirements. Commitments were given that the government would be "responsible" in both the construction and running of these vital projects.
