No fewer than 13 people lose their lives and 98 injured in train derailment in the nation of Mexico.

A fatal railway accident in the southern state of Oaxaca has claimed the lives of at least 13 people, an incident likely to revive critical opposition regarding the speed and management of the country's flagship public works projects.

The accident took place on the Interoceanic Corridor train, a line constructed to join the Atlantic Ocean and Pacific Ocean across the thinnest stretch of the Isthmus of Tehuantepec. This endeavor was created to establish an alternative rail cargo route to the Panama Canal, aimed at driving regional growth in the area.

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

The official reported that, of the around 250 passengers on board, another 98 were injured, with five of those in serious condition. The leader added plans to go to Oaxaca to meet those affected.

Major Initiative of Former Government

The Interoceanic Train was a cornerstone development scheme of the previous administration, whose term finished the year before. This project was closely associated with his administration's economic vision for the southern 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 stimulate the economy of a historically less developed part of the country.

Project Execution and Worries

The building of both train projects was supervised by the armed forces, marking a notable increase of its duties in civilian projects. They were built at an fast-tracked pace, surpassing expectations to be at least partly inaugurated before the end of that administration.

However, this fast-paced schedule had simultaneously sparked ongoing questions over safety standards.

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

Appeals for Audit and Pause

In the aftermath of the tragedy, the leader of a major opposition party demanded an prompt halt in the building and running of all comparable projects.

This stoppage was requested until the completion of a full technical review. The party stated that the loss of life "requires swift accountability."

In response, the head of state maintained that the train had been operating in complete compliance with all operational standards. Commitments were given that the government would remain "diligent" in both the development and operation of these vital undertakings.