At least 13 passengers killed and ninety-eight injured in train derailment in Mexico.

A deadly railway accident in the southern state of Oaxaca has resulted in the deaths of at least 13 people, an incident likely to revive censure from critics regarding the rapidity and execution of the country's major government projects.

The disaster happened on the Interoceanic Train, a line built to link the Atlantic and Pacific Ocean across the thinnest stretch of the Isthmus of Tehuantepec. This initiative was designed to establish an alternative rail cargo route to the Panama Canal, aimed at driving economic development in the area.

“We shall rigorously clarify what caused this incident,” stated the head of state.

The leader confirmed that, of the some 250 individuals on board, another 98 were wounded, with five of those in grave condition. The leader noted plans to visit Oaxaca to confer with those impacted.

Key Undertaking of Former Government

The Interoceanic Train was a cornerstone public works project of the immediate past president, whose time in office concluded the previous year. This venture was closely associated with his administration's developmental goals for the southeastern region.

Another ambitious train initiative from that era, a passenger and freight circuit around the Yucatán Peninsula, was also integral to the comprehensive effort to kickstart the economic fortunes of a comparatively poorer part of the country.

Building Management and Worries

The building of both train projects was managed by the nation's military, marking a dramatic growth of its duties in civilian works. They were completed at an rapid rate, beating expectations to be at least partly launched before the end of that government.

However, this accelerated timeline had also sparked significant questions over construction quality.

• Sunday's crash was the third such incident on the Interoceanic Train within the past twelve months.
• This involves an previous accident this month when a train struck a truck at a level crossing.
• The other major rail project has also had a couple of non-deadly derailments.

Appeals for Review and Suspension

In the wake of the catastrophe, the chief of a primary political opposition demanded an prompt halt in the building and running of all comparable projects.

This halt was proposed while awaiting a thorough technical review. The party stated that the tragedy "calls for prompt explanations."

In response, the president maintained that the train had been running in complete accordance with all safety requirements. Assurances were given that the government would remain "accountable" in both the development and running of these vital undertakings.