At least 13 passengers perish and ninety-eight hurt in train crash in the nation of Mexico.

A deadly train crash in the southern state of Oaxaca has claimed the lives of at least 13 people, an incident likely to revive censure from critics regarding the rapidity and handling of the country's major government projects.

The crash occurred on the Interoceanic Train, a line built to join the Atlantic Ocean and Pacific across the slenderest section of the Isthmus of Tehuantepec. This project was created to establish an alternative rail cargo route to the Panama Canal, intended to promote commercial progress in the area.

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

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

Key Undertaking of Past Leadership

The Interoceanic Train was a cornerstone public works project of the immediate past president, whose time in office ended the previous year. This venture was a hallmark of his leadership's economic vision for the southern region.

Another massive train initiative from that era, a passenger and freight circuit around the Yucatán Peninsula, was also part of the wider plan to kickstart the economic fortunes of a historically less developed part of the country.

Project Execution and Worries

The construction of both train projects was supervised by the army, marking a dramatic growth of its responsibilities in public works. They were built at an fast-tracked rate, surpassing expectations to be at least partly inaugurated before the end of that administration.

However, this rushed timetable had simultaneously raised persistent apprehensions over safety standards.

• Sunday's accident was the third event on the Interoceanic Train in the current year.
• This includes an previous accident this month when a train struck a truck at a level crossing.
• The other major rail project has also experienced several non-deadly derailments.

Appeals for Audit and Pause

In the aftermath of the tragedy, the chief of a major opposition party urged an prompt suspension in the building and running of all similar projects.

This stoppage was suggested while awaiting a thorough safety audit. The party declared that the situation "requires swift accountability."

In response, the national leader maintained that the train had been running in complete accordance with all operational standards. Promises were given that the government would be "accountable" in both the development and management of these vital initiatives.