At least 13 passengers killed and ninety-eight wounded in train crash in Mexico.

A deadly train derailment in the Mexican state of Oaxaca has resulted in the deaths of at least 13 people, an incident likely to revive critical opposition regarding the pace and execution of the country's major public works projects.

The disaster took place on the Interoceanic Corridor train, a route constructed to join the Atlantic Ocean and Pacific Ocean across the thinnest stretch of the Isthmus of Tehuantepec. This project was intended to provide an different freight railway path to the Panama Canal, with the goal of spurring economic development in the area.

“We will meticulously determine the reasons behind this tragedy,” stated the national leader.

The official announced that, of the approximately 250 people on board, another 98 were hurt, with five of those in serious condition. The president added plans to travel to Oaxaca to speak with those impacted.

Major Initiative of Previous Administration

The Interoceanic Train was a central infrastructure project of the previous administration, whose time in office finished the prior year. This rail line was closely associated with his administration's strategic goals for the southern region.

Another ambitious rail project from that era, a tourist and cargo loop around the Yucatán Peninsula, was also central to the comprehensive effort to revitalize the economy of a relatively less developed part of the country.

Construction Oversight and Worries

The building of both train projects was managed by the armed forces, marking a notable expansion of its responsibilities in public infrastructure. They were executed at an rapid speed, defying predictions to be at least partly launched before the end of that government.

However, this fast-paced schedule had simultaneously raised ongoing apprehensions over construction quality.

• Sunday's accident was the third event on the Interoceanic Train in the current year.
• This involves an earlier crash this month when a train smashed into a truck at a crossing.
• The other major rail project has also experienced two non-deadly derailments.

Appeals for Review and Suspension

In the aftermath of the tragedy, the leader of a primary political opposition urged an prompt halt in the building and running of all comparable projects.

This stoppage was requested until the completion of a comprehensive technical review. The party declared that the situation "requires immediate answers."

In reaction, the national leader asserted that the train had been operating in full accordance with all safety requirements. Assurances were given that the government would be "accountable" in both the development and running of these national projects.