A minimum of 13 people lose their lives and 98 wounded in train derailment in the nation of Mexico.

A deadly train derailment 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 key public works projects.

The accident happened on the trans-isthmus railway, a rail link constructed to link the Atlantic Ocean and Pacific across the slenderest section of the Isthmus of Tehuantepec. This project was created to establish an different freight railway path to the Panama Canal, intended to promote regional growth in the area.

“We are going to thoroughly investigate what caused this incident,” stated the head of state.

The official confirmed that, of the around 250 individuals on board, another 98 were hurt, with five of those in grave condition. The president added plans to go to Oaxaca to meet those affected.

Major Initiative of Past Leadership

The Interoceanic Train was a cornerstone public works project of the immediate past president, whose time in office ended the prior year. This rail line was a hallmark of his government's developmental goals for the southeastern region.

Another multi-billion dollar train initiative from that era, a passenger and freight circuit around the Yucatán Peninsula, was also central to the comprehensive effort to revitalize the economic fortunes of a comparatively disadvantaged part of the country.

Project Execution and Worries

The development of both railway systems was overseen by the armed forces, marking a significant growth of its responsibilities in public projects. They were executed at an accelerated speed, surpassing forecasts to be at least partly opened before the end of that administration.

However, this rushed timetable had also raised significant apprehensions over safety standards.

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

Demands for Review and Suspension

In the aftermath of the tragedy, the head of a key rival party urged an urgent halt in the building and running of all comparable projects.

This halt was requested until the completion of a thorough safety audit. The party stated that the tragedy "calls for immediate answers."

In reaction, the president asserted that the train had been functioning in full compliance with all safety requirements. Commitments were given that the government would be "diligent" in both the development and operation of these strategic initiatives.