No fewer than 13 people lose their lives and 98 wounded in train crash in Mexico.

A fatal railway accident in the southern state of Oaxaca has caused the fatalities of at least 13 people, an incident expected to reignite critical opposition regarding the speed and handling of the country's key government projects.

The crash happened on the Interoceanic Corridor train, a route developed to link the Atlantic and Pacific Ocean across the slenderest section of the Isthmus of Tehuantepec. This initiative was created to establish an different freight railway path to the Panama Canal, with the goal of spurring commercial progress in the area.

“We are going to rigorously clarify the cause of this accident,” affirmed the national leader.

The official reported that, of the approximately 250 individuals on board, another 98 were injured, with five of those in critical condition. The leader stated plans to go to Oaxaca to meet those affected.

Major Initiative of Former Government

The Interoceanic Train was a signature development scheme of the immediate past president, whose time in office ended the prior year. This project was closely associated with his government's strategic goals for the southern region.

Another ambitious train initiative from that period, a tourist and cargo loop around the Yucatán Peninsula, was also integral to the wider plan to stimulate the economic fortunes of a relatively less developed part of the country.

Building Management and Worries

The building of both rail lines was managed by the nation's military, marking a dramatic growth of its role in public projects. They were executed at an rapid pace, beating expectations to be at least partly opened before the end of that government.

However, this fast-paced schedule had simultaneously raised significant apprehensions over safety standards.

• Sunday's derailment was the third such incident on the Interoceanic Train this year.
• This includes an earlier crash this month when a train struck a truck at a railroad crossing.
• The other major rail project has also seen several non-fatal derailments.

Demands for Review and Suspension

In the aftermath of the catastrophe, the head of a primary political opposition demanded an immediate halt in the building and running of all similar projects.

This pause was proposed while awaiting a full independent investigation. The party emphasized that the loss of life "requires swift accountability."

In response, the national leader insisted that the train had been operating in total adherence to all security protocols. Commitments were given that the government would be "diligent" in both the development and management of these vital initiatives.