No fewer than 13 passengers lose their lives and ninety-eight injured in train crash in the nation of Mexico.

A deadly train crash 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 execution of the country's major government projects.

The crash occurred on the Interoceanic Train, a route constructed to connect the Atlantic and Pacific Ocean across the thinnest stretch of the Isthmus of Tehuantepec. This endeavor was designed to offer an competing rail corridor to the Panama Canal, intended to promote economic development in the area.

“We shall meticulously determine the reasons behind this incident,” declared the country's president.

The president confirmed that, of the some 250 individuals on board, another 98 were wounded, with five of those in serious condition. The leader added plans to visit Oaxaca to confer with those impacted.

Key Undertaking of Past Leadership

The Interoceanic Train was a signature infrastructure project of the previous administration, whose time in office finished the previous year. This rail line was intimately linked to his leadership's developmental goals for the southern region.

Another multi-billion dollar rail project from that era, a passenger and freight circuit around the Yucatán Peninsula, was also central to the broader strategy to stimulate the economy of a relatively less developed part of the country.

Project Execution and Worries

The building of both rail lines was managed by the armed forces, marking a notable growth of its responsibilities in civilian works. They were completed at an accelerated pace, surpassing predictions to be at least partly opened before the end of that presidency.

However, this fast-paced schedule had simultaneously fueled significant apprehensions over operational security.

• Sunday's derailment was the third occurrence on the Interoceanic Train in the current year.
• This involves an prior accident this month when a train struck a truck at a level crossing.
• The other major rail project has also seen two non-deadly derailments.

Appeals for Investigation and Halt

In the aftermath of the catastrophe, the chief of a primary political opposition demanded an immediate halt in the construction and operation of all similar projects.

This stoppage was requested pending a thorough independent investigation. The party stated that the loss of life "calls for immediate answers."

In response, the president asserted that the train had been functioning in full accordance with all security protocols. Commitments were given that the government would remain "accountable" in both the construction and operation of these vital undertakings.