No fewer than thirteen passengers perish and ninety-eight hurt in rail accident in the nation of Mexico.
A fatal railway accident in the southern state of Oaxaca has resulted in the deaths of at least 13 people, an incident expected to reignite censure from critics regarding the rapidity and handling of the country's major government projects.
The crash took place on the trans-isthmus railway, a line built to link the Atlantic and Pacific across the thinnest stretch of the Isthmus of Tehuantepec. This initiative was designed to offer an competing rail corridor to the Panama Canal, with the goal of spurring regional growth in the area.
“We shall meticulously determine what caused this incident,” declared the country's president.
The leader reported that, of the around 250 passengers on board, another 98 were hurt, with five of those in serious condition. The president noted plans to go to Oaxaca to confer with those affected.
Flagship Project of Past Leadership
The Interoceanic Train was a signature public works project of the former leader, whose time in office concluded the prior year. This project was closely associated with his leadership's developmental vision for the southeastern region.
Another multi-billion dollar rail project from that time, a tourist and cargo loop around the Yucatán Peninsula, was also integral to the wider plan to kickstart the economic fortunes of a historically poorer part of the country.
Construction Oversight and Worries
The development of both train projects was supervised by the nation's military, marking a significant growth of its responsibilities in public works. They were executed at an fast-tracked pace, defying expectations to be partially opened before the end of that administration.
However, this accelerated timeline had simultaneously raised significant concerns over operational security.
- Sunday's crash was the third event on the Interoceanic Train within the past twelve months.
- This includes an prior crash this month when a train struck a truck at a level crossing.
- The other major rail project has also seen a couple of non-deadly derailments.
Calls for Investigation and Halt
In the aftermath of the catastrophe, the chief of a key rival party urged an immediate pause in the development and management of all comparable projects.
This halt was suggested while awaiting a comprehensive safety audit. The party emphasized that the tragedy "requires immediate answers."
In response, the national leader asserted that the train had been running in full adherence to all security protocols. Promises were given that the government would be "diligent" in both the development and management of these national projects.
