No fewer than 13 passengers killed and ninety-eight hurt in train crash in Mexico.

A deadly train derailment in the southern state of Oaxaca has caused the fatalities of at least 13 people, an incident expected to reignite opposition criticisms regarding the pace and management of the country's key public works projects.

The accident took place on the Interoceanic Corridor train, a line built to link the Atlantic Ocean and Pacific Ocean across the narrowest part of the Isthmus of Tehuantepec. This endeavor was designed to establish an different freight railway path to the Panama Canal, intended to promote economic development in the area.

“We shall rigorously clarify the cause of this incident,” affirmed the country's president.

The president announced that, of the approximately 250 individuals on board, another 98 were hurt, with five of those in serious condition. The president added plans to visit Oaxaca to meet those affected.

Major Initiative of Past Leadership

The Interoceanic Train was a signature development scheme of the former leader, whose time in office concluded the prior year. This venture was closely associated with his government's economic agenda for the southeastern region.

Another massive railway undertaking from that time, a tourist and cargo loop around the Yucatán Peninsula, was also part of the comprehensive effort to kickstart the economy of a relatively disadvantaged part of the country.

Building Management and Risks Apprehensions

The building of both train projects was supervised by the army, marking a significant expansion of its duties in national works. They were executed at an accelerated speed, beating forecasts to be partially launched before the end of that presidency.

However, this fast-paced schedule had concurrently fueled persistent apprehensions over construction quality.

• Sunday's accident was the third occurrence on the Interoceanic Train within the past twelve months.
• This includes an previous accident this month when a train hit a truck at a crossing.
• The other major rail project has also seen several non-lethal derailments.

Calls for Audit and Pause

In the wake of the disaster, the head of a major opposition party urged an immediate suspension in the development and management of all similar projects.

This stoppage was proposed while awaiting a thorough technical review. The party declared that the loss of life "requires immediate answers."

In response, the national leader maintained that the train had been running in total adherence to all safety requirements. Promises were given that the government would continue to be "responsible" in both the development and running of these national undertakings.