At least 13 people perish and 98 wounded in train crash in Mexico.
A fatal train derailment in the southern state of Oaxaca has claimed the lives of at least 13 people, an incident expected to reignite opposition criticisms regarding the rapidity and management of the country's flagship infrastructure initiatives.
The accident took place on the Interoceanic Corridor train, a route developed to link the Atlantic Ocean and Pacific Ocean across the slenderest section of the Isthmus of Tehuantepec. This endeavor was created to offer an different freight railway path to the Panama Canal, aimed at driving regional growth in the area.
“We are going to meticulously determine what caused this incident,” declared the country's president.
The official confirmed that, of the approximately 250 individuals on board, another 98 were wounded, with five of those in critical condition. The official noted plans to go to Oaxaca to confer with those impacted.
Major Initiative of Former Government
The Interoceanic Train was a cornerstone development scheme of the former leader, whose presidency concluded the year before. This project was a hallmark of his administration's economic vision for the southeastern region.
Another ambitious rail project from that period, a tourist and cargo loop around the Yucatán Peninsula, was also central to the comprehensive effort to kickstart the economy of a relatively less developed part of the country.
Project Execution and Worries
The construction of both train projects was overseen by the nation's military, marking a significant growth of its role in national works. They were built at an accelerated speed, surpassing forecasts to be partially launched before the end of that presidency.
However, this fast-paced schedule had also raised significant concerns over construction quality.
- Sunday's accident was the third such incident on the Interoceanic Train in the current year.
- This involves an previous crash this month when a train struck a truck at a level crossing.
- The other major rail project has also experienced a couple of non-deadly derailments.
Demands for Investigation and Halt
In the aftermath of the tragedy, the head of a major opposition party demanded an immediate pause in the building and running of all similar projects.
This stoppage was requested while awaiting a comprehensive independent investigation. The party declared that the tragedy "requires prompt explanations."
In reply, the national leader maintained that the train had been operating in complete accordance with all safety requirements. Promises were given that the government would be "responsible" in both the development and operation of these national undertakings.
