At least 13 passengers perish and 98 wounded in train crash in the nation of 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 opposition criticisms regarding the rapidity and handling of the country's flagship public works projects.

The accident happened on the Interoceanic Corridor train, a route developed to connect the Atlantic and Pacific across the narrowest part of the Isthmus of Tehuantepec. This endeavor was designed to establish an alternative rail cargo route to the Panama Canal, with the goal of spurring regional growth in the area.

“We are going to rigorously clarify what caused this accident,” affirmed the national leader.

The official reported that, of the around 250 people on board, another 98 were wounded, with five of those in grave condition. The president noted plans to travel to Oaxaca to speak with those affected.

Key Undertaking of Former Government

The Interoceanic Train was a signature development scheme of the previous administration, whose term ended the prior year. This venture was a hallmark of his administration's strategic agenda for the southern region.

Another ambitious railway undertaking from that period, a passenger and freight circuit around the Yucatán Peninsula, was also part of the wider plan to stimulate the economy of a relatively poorer part of the country.

Construction Oversight and Worries

The construction of both train projects was managed by the nation's military, marking a dramatic expansion of its role in public infrastructure. They were built at an accelerated pace, defying predictions to be at least partly launched before the end of that administration.

However, this fast-paced schedule had simultaneously raised significant questions over safety standards.

• Sunday's derailment was the third event on the Interoceanic Train in the current year.
• This encompasses an previous crash this month when a train struck a truck at a level crossing.
• The other major rail project has also had two non-lethal derailments.

Calls for Investigation and Halt

In the aftermath of the tragedy, the chief of a major opposition party urged an urgent pause in the development and management of all such projects.

This halt was proposed pending a thorough technical review. The party declared that the situation "demands immediate answers."

In reaction, the national leader insisted that the train had been running in complete compliance with all security protocols. Promises were given that the government would be "diligent" in both the development and management of these national initiatives.