At least 13 people lose their lives and ninety-eight hurt in train derailment in the nation of Mexico.
A tragic train crash in the Mexican state of Oaxaca has caused the fatalities of at least 13 people, an incident sure to fuel opposition criticisms regarding the speed and handling of the country's flagship government projects.
The accident took place on the Interoceanic Corridor train, a line constructed to connect the Atlantic and Pacific across the slenderest section of the Isthmus of Tehuantepec. This project was created to establish an competing rail corridor to the Panama Canal, with the goal of spurring commercial progress in the area.
“We will meticulously determine what caused this incident,” declared the head of state.
The official announced that, of the approximately 250 passengers on board, another 98 were hurt, with five of those in grave condition. The president added plans to go to Oaxaca to confer with those involved.
Key Undertaking of Previous Administration
The Interoceanic Train was a central infrastructure project of the immediate past president, whose term concluded the prior year. This venture was closely associated with his leadership's economic agenda for the southern region.
Another multi-billion dollar railway undertaking from that period, a tourist and cargo loop around the Yucatán Peninsula, was also central to the wider plan to stimulate the economy of a relatively disadvantaged part of the country.
Building Management and Risks Apprehensions
The building of both rail lines was managed by the army, marking a dramatic increase of its role in civilian infrastructure. They were completed at an accelerated rate, beating predictions to be at least partly launched before the end of that presidency.
However, this fast-paced schedule had also sparked persistent apprehensions over safety standards.
- Sunday's accident was the third occurrence on the Interoceanic Train in the current year.
- This includes an prior crash this month when a train smashed into a truck at a level crossing.
- The other major rail project has also had a couple of non-deadly derailments.
Demands for Investigation and Halt
In the aftermath of the tragedy, the chief of a primary political opposition demanded an urgent pause in the construction and operation of all similar projects.
This halt was proposed pending a thorough safety audit. The party stated that the situation "demands swift accountability."
In response, the national leader 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 management of these vital initiatives.
