No fewer than thirteen passengers perish and 98 hurt in train derailment in Mexico.

A tragic train crash in the Mexican state of Oaxaca has claimed the lives of at least 13 people, an incident likely to revive critical opposition regarding the rapidity and handling of the country's flagship government projects.

The accident took place on the Interoceanic Train, a line built to link the Atlantic Ocean and Pacific Ocean across the narrowest part of the Isthmus of Tehuantepec. This initiative was intended to establish an competing rail corridor to the Panama Canal, with the goal of spurring economic development in the area.

“We shall rigorously clarify the cause of this incident,” stated the head of state.

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

Key Undertaking of Former Government

The Interoceanic Train was a cornerstone development scheme of the former leader, whose time in office concluded the previous year. This venture was intimately linked to his administration's developmental agenda for the southeastern region.

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

Building Management and Risks Apprehensions

The construction of both train projects was managed by the nation's military, marking a notable increase of its duties in civilian works. They were executed at an accelerated pace, beating forecasts to be partially opened before the end of that administration.

However, this fast-paced schedule had simultaneously fueled ongoing questions over construction quality.

• Sunday's crash was the third occurrence on the Interoceanic Train in the current year.
• This encompasses an earlier crash this month when a train hit a truck at a level crossing.
• The other major rail project has also had a couple of non-lethal derailments.

Calls for Investigation and Halt

In the aftermath of the catastrophe, the head of a major opposition party called for an immediate suspension in the building and running of all such projects.

This stoppage was requested until the completion of a full technical review. The party emphasized that the tragedy "demands prompt explanations."

In response, the president asserted that the train had been running in total compliance with all security protocols. Commitments were given that the government would continue to be "accountable" in both the development and operation of these national initiatives.