No fewer than thirteen individuals lose their lives and 98 hurt in train crash in Mexico.
A fatal railway accident in the Mexican state of Oaxaca has claimed the lives of at least 13 people, an incident likely to revive opposition criticisms regarding the rapidity and handling of the country's major government projects.
The disaster happened on the trans-isthmus railway, a route constructed to join the Atlantic and Pacific across the thinnest stretch of the Isthmus of Tehuantepec. This project was designed to establish an alternative rail cargo route to the Panama Canal, with the goal of spurring economic development in the area.
“We will meticulously determine what caused this tragedy,” stated the country's president.
The president confirmed that, of the approximately 250 passengers on board, another 98 were hurt, with five of those in serious condition. The president added plans to visit Oaxaca to confer with those impacted.
Major Initiative of Former Government
The Interoceanic Train was a signature infrastructure project of the previous administration, whose time in office concluded the year before. This project was closely associated with his leadership's economic agenda for the southern region.
Another ambitious train initiative from that period, a passenger and freight circuit around the Yucatán Peninsula, was also integral to the comprehensive effort to stimulate the economic fortunes of a historically less developed part of the country.
Building Management and Worries
The development of both train projects was supervised by the nation's military, marking a dramatic expansion of its role in civilian infrastructure. They were executed at an rapid speed, defying forecasts to be partially inaugurated before the end of that government.
However, this accelerated timeline had also raised persistent concerns over safety standards.
- Sunday's crash was the third occurrence on the Interoceanic Train within the past twelve months.
- This includes an previous accident this month when a train struck a truck at a crossing.
- The other major rail project has also had a couple of non-fatal derailments.
Calls for Audit and Pause
In the wake of the catastrophe, the leader of a major opposition party demanded an prompt suspension in the building and running of all such projects.
This stoppage was proposed until the completion of a full technical review. The party declared that the loss of life "requires immediate answers."
In reaction, the head of state insisted that the train had been running in complete accordance with all security protocols. Promises were given that the government would continue to be "accountable" in both the development and running of these vital projects.
