At least 13 people lose their lives and ninety-eight injured in train crash in 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 critical opposition regarding the pace and handling of the country's major infrastructure initiatives.

The crash took place on the Interoceanic Train, a rail link developed to connect the Atlantic Ocean and Pacific across the narrowest part of the Isthmus of Tehuantepec. This endeavor was intended to establish an different freight railway path to the Panama Canal, aimed at driving regional growth in the area.

“We shall rigorously clarify the reasons behind this accident,” declared the head of state.

The leader confirmed that, of the approximately 250 passengers on board, another 98 were wounded, with five of those in critical condition. The leader stated plans to travel to Oaxaca to confer with those affected.

Key Undertaking of Former Government

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

Another ambitious train initiative from that time, a tourist and cargo loop around the Yucatán Peninsula, was also part of the broader strategy to revitalize the economic fortunes of a historically less developed part of the country.

Construction Oversight and Risks Apprehensions

The development of both train projects was supervised by the armed forces, marking a notable growth of its role in national works. They were executed at an rapid speed, surpassing expectations to be partially launched before the end of that government.

However, this fast-paced schedule had also fueled persistent apprehensions over operational security.

• Sunday's derailment was the third such incident on the Interoceanic Train within the past twelve months.
• This includes an previous accident this month when a train hit a truck at a crossing.
• The other major rail project has also experienced several non-lethal derailments.

Calls for Review and Suspension

In the wake of the tragedy, the chief of a primary political opposition called for an prompt pause in the construction and operation of all such projects.

This stoppage was proposed while awaiting a comprehensive independent investigation. The party stated that the situation "demands prompt explanations."

In reply, the national leader insisted that the train had been operating in complete adherence to all security protocols. Commitments were given that the government would continue to be "accountable" in both the development and management of these strategic projects.