A minimum of 13 passengers perish and ninety-eight wounded 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 opposition criticisms regarding the rapidity and execution of the country's key public works projects.
The accident happened on the Interoceanic Train, a rail link built to connect the Atlantic Ocean and Pacific Ocean across the narrowest part of the Isthmus of Tehuantepec. This initiative was intended to establish an different freight railway path to the Panama Canal, with the goal of spurring commercial progress in the area.
“We shall meticulously determine the reasons behind this accident,” affirmed the country's president.
The leader reported that, of the approximately 250 people on board, another 98 were wounded, with five of those in critical condition. The official noted plans to travel to Oaxaca to speak with those impacted.
Key Undertaking of Former Government
The Interoceanic Train was a central development scheme of the previous administration, whose term finished the year before. This venture was intimately linked to his leadership's economic goals for the southern region.
Another massive rail project from that period, a passenger and freight circuit around the Yucatán Peninsula, was also integral to the wider plan to revitalize the economic fortunes of a comparatively disadvantaged part of the country.
Building Management and Worries
The development of both train projects was managed by the nation's military, marking a notable increase of its duties in public infrastructure. They were completed at an rapid speed, defying forecasts to be partially opened before the end of that government.
However, this fast-paced schedule had simultaneously sparked significant concerns over operational security.
- Sunday's accident was the third such incident on the Interoceanic Train this year.
- This involves an previous collision this month when a train smashed into a truck at a railroad crossing.
- The other major rail project has also experienced a couple of non-lethal derailments.
Appeals for Review and Suspension
In the aftermath of the disaster, the chief of a major opposition party demanded an prompt halt in the building and running of all similar projects.
This stoppage was suggested while awaiting a full independent investigation. The party stated that the loss of life "calls for immediate answers."
In reply, the head of state insisted that the train had been operating in total adherence to all safety requirements. Assurances were given that the government would continue to be "responsible" in both the construction and operation of these strategic undertakings.
