A minimum of 13 people perish and ninety-eight injured in train crash in Mexico.

A deadly train derailment in the southern state of Oaxaca has claimed the lives of at least 13 people, an incident expected to reignite opposition criticisms regarding the rapidity and management of the country's key government projects.

The disaster took place on the Interoceanic Train, a route developed to link the Atlantic and Pacific Ocean across the thinnest stretch of the Isthmus of Tehuantepec. This endeavor was intended to provide an competing rail corridor to the Panama Canal, with the goal of spurring regional growth in the area.

“We will thoroughly investigate what caused this tragedy,” declared the head of state.

The president confirmed that, of the some 250 individuals on board, another 98 were wounded, with five of those in serious condition. The official stated plans to go to Oaxaca to meet those impacted.

Flagship Project of Former Government

The Interoceanic Train was a signature development scheme of the previous administration, whose term concluded the prior year. This venture was closely associated with his leadership's developmental goals for the southeastern region.

Another massive rail project from that time, a tourist and cargo loop around the Yucatán Peninsula, was also central to the broader strategy to stimulate the economic fortunes of a historically less developed part of the country.

Building Management and Risks Apprehensions

The development of both railway systems was supervised by the army, marking a notable increase of its responsibilities in national projects. They were built at an accelerated rate, beating expectations to be partially inaugurated before the end of that government.

However, this rushed timetable had also sparked ongoing concerns over safety standards.

• Sunday's derailment was the third event on the Interoceanic Train this year.
• This involves an previous crash this month when a train smashed into a truck at a crossing.
• The other major rail project has also experienced two non-fatal derailments.

Calls for Investigation and Halt

In the aftermath of the disaster, the chief of a major opposition party demanded an prompt pause in the building and running of all comparable projects.

This stoppage was suggested while awaiting a comprehensive technical review. The party declared that the loss of life "calls for immediate answers."

In response, the president asserted that the train had been running in total accordance with all security protocols. Promises were given that the government would be "accountable" in both the construction and management of these vital projects.