A minimum of 13 passengers lose their lives and 98 injured in train derailment in the nation of Mexico.
A tragic train crash in the southern state of Oaxaca has claimed the lives of at least 13 people, an incident likely to revive censure from critics regarding the pace and management of the country's flagship government projects.
The disaster occurred on the Interoceanic Train, a line built to join the Atlantic Ocean and Pacific Ocean across the thinnest stretch of the Isthmus of Tehuantepec. This project was designed to offer an alternative rail cargo route to the Panama Canal, with the goal of spurring economic development in the area.
“We are going to meticulously determine what caused this tragedy,” declared the head of state.
The president reported that, of the some 250 individuals on board, another 98 were injured, with five of those in grave condition. The leader stated plans to go to Oaxaca to speak with those impacted.
Major Initiative of Former Government
The Interoceanic Train was a central development scheme of the previous administration, whose presidency finished the year before. This venture was closely associated with his administration's developmental agenda for the southern region.
Another multi-billion dollar train initiative from that time, a tourist and cargo loop around the Yucatán Peninsula, was also part of the comprehensive effort to revitalize the economic fortunes of a relatively poorer part of the country.
Construction Oversight and Worries
The construction of both railway systems was supervised by the army, marking a dramatic increase of its role in civilian works. They were completed at an rapid pace, surpassing predictions to be partially inaugurated before the end of that presidency.
However, this rushed timetable had concurrently raised persistent questions over safety standards.
- Sunday's accident was the third occurrence on the Interoceanic Train this year.
- This involves an prior crash this month when a train hit a truck at a level crossing.
- The other major rail project has also had a couple of non-deadly derailments.
Appeals for Investigation and Halt
In the aftermath of the catastrophe, the chief of a primary political opposition demanded an immediate halt in the development and management of all similar projects.
This stoppage was proposed until the completion of a comprehensive independent investigation. The party declared that the loss of life "requires swift accountability."
In reply, the national leader asserted that the train had been running in complete compliance with all operational standards. Assurances were given that the government would remain "accountable" in both the construction and operation of these vital projects.