No fewer than thirteen people lose their lives and 98 wounded in train crash in the nation of Mexico.

A deadly train crash 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 speed and execution of the country's major infrastructure initiatives.

The crash happened on the trans-isthmus railway, a route developed to link the Atlantic Ocean and Pacific across the narrowest part of the Isthmus of Tehuantepec. This initiative was intended to offer an different freight railway path to the Panama Canal, intended to promote commercial progress in the area.

“We are going to thoroughly investigate the reasons behind this tragedy,” stated the national leader.

The president announced that, of the around 250 passengers on board, another 98 were wounded, with five of those in serious condition. The president noted plans to go to Oaxaca to meet those impacted.

Flagship Project of Previous Administration

The Interoceanic Train was a cornerstone development scheme of the former leader, whose time in office finished the year before. This rail line was intimately linked to his government's economic goals for the southern region.

Another multi-billion dollar railway undertaking from that period, a passenger and freight circuit around the Yucatán Peninsula, was also part of the broader strategy to revitalize the economic fortunes of a comparatively disadvantaged part of the country.

Construction Oversight and Worries

The development of both train projects was managed by the nation's military, marking a dramatic increase of its duties in national infrastructure. They were executed at an accelerated speed, beating forecasts to be at least partly launched before the end of that administration.

However, this fast-paced schedule had simultaneously fueled ongoing concerns over operational security.

• Sunday's crash was the third occurrence on the Interoceanic Train this year.
• This includes an earlier crash this month when a train hit a truck at a railroad crossing.
• The other major rail project has also experienced two non-fatal derailments.

Demands for Review and Suspension

In the aftermath of the tragedy, the head of a primary political opposition urged an prompt pause in the building and running of all such projects.

This halt was suggested while awaiting a full safety audit. The party stated that the loss of life "calls for prompt explanations."

In response, the president asserted that the train had been running in complete accordance with all safety requirements. Assurances were given that the government would be "accountable" in both the development and operation of these strategic initiatives.