At least thirteen individuals lose their lives and 98 injured in train crash in Mexico.
A tragic train derailment in the Mexican state of Oaxaca has claimed the lives of at least 13 people, an incident likely to revive censure from critics regarding the speed and execution of the country's flagship public works projects.
The disaster happened on the trans-isthmus railway, a route developed to join the Atlantic and Pacific across the thinnest stretch of the Isthmus of Tehuantepec. This initiative was intended to establish an competing rail corridor to the Panama Canal, with the goal of spurring economic development in the area.
“We will thoroughly investigate what caused this incident,” declared the country's president.
The president reported that, of the some 250 individuals on board, another 98 were wounded, with five of those in critical condition. The official added plans to visit Oaxaca to speak with those impacted.
Flagship Project of Previous Administration
The Interoceanic Train was a central infrastructure project of the former leader, whose time in office finished the year before. This project was closely associated with his government's strategic goals for the southern region.
Another multi-billion dollar rail project from that time, a passenger and freight circuit around the Yucatán Peninsula, was also central to the broader strategy to stimulate the economy of a relatively less developed part of the country.
Building Management and Safety Concerns
The building of both rail lines was managed by the nation's military, marking a notable increase of its role in public works. They were executed at an accelerated rate, beating expectations to be at least partly launched before the end of that government.
However, this fast-paced schedule had simultaneously raised ongoing apprehensions over operational security.
- Sunday's derailment was the third such incident on the Interoceanic Train in the current year.
- This involves an previous collision this month when a train hit a truck at a level crossing.
- The other major rail project has also seen several non-lethal derailments.
Demands for Investigation and Halt
In the wake of the catastrophe, the leader of a key rival party urged an prompt suspension in the building and running of all such projects.
This stoppage was suggested while awaiting a full independent investigation. The party emphasized that the situation "requires prompt explanations."
In reply, the president asserted that the train had been functioning in total accordance with all safety requirements. Assurances were given that the government would remain "diligent" in both the construction and management of these national projects.
