No fewer than 13 passengers killed and ninety-eight injured in rail accident in the nation of Mexico.
A fatal train derailment in the Mexican state of Oaxaca has claimed the lives of at least 13 people, an incident sure to fuel critical opposition regarding the pace and execution of the country's major public works projects.
The accident took place on the Interoceanic Train, a route built to connect the Atlantic Ocean and Pacific across the slenderest section of the Isthmus of Tehuantepec. This project was intended to offer an competing rail corridor to the Panama Canal, aimed at driving commercial progress in the area.
“We shall meticulously determine what caused this tragedy,” stated the country's president.
The official reported that, of the some 250 passengers on board, another 98 were injured, with five of those in serious condition. The official stated plans to visit Oaxaca to meet those affected.
Major Initiative of Former Government
The Interoceanic Train was a signature public works project of the former leader, whose presidency ended the year before. This rail line was intimately linked to his leadership's strategic vision for the southern region.
Another ambitious train initiative from that time, a tourist and cargo loop around the Yucatán Peninsula, was also part of the broader strategy to kickstart the economic fortunes of a historically disadvantaged part of the country.
Project Execution and Worries
The development of both rail lines was overseen by the nation's military, marking a dramatic growth of its duties in national infrastructure. They were completed at an fast-tracked rate, defying expectations to be partially inaugurated before the end of that government.
However, this fast-paced schedule had concurrently raised ongoing questions over operational security.
- Sunday's derailment was the third occurrence on the Interoceanic Train this year.
- This involves an previous crash this month when a train hit a truck at a level crossing.
- The other major rail project has also seen a couple of non-deadly derailments.
Appeals for Investigation and Halt
In the wake of the catastrophe, the chief of a primary political opposition urged an urgent pause in the building and running of all such projects.
This halt was requested pending a full technical review. The party declared that the situation "calls for prompt explanations."
In response, the head of state asserted that the train had been operating in total adherence to all security protocols. Promises were given that the government would remain "responsible" in both the construction and running of these strategic undertakings.