At least 13 people lose their lives and 98 wounded in train derailment in the nation of Mexico.

A fatal railway accident in the southern state of Oaxaca has caused the fatalities 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 disaster took place on the Interoceanic Train, a rail link constructed to connect the Atlantic and Pacific across the slenderest section of the Isthmus of Tehuantepec. This initiative was created to provide an competing rail corridor to the Panama Canal, aimed at driving economic development in the area.

“We shall rigorously clarify what caused this accident,” declared the head of state.

The leader announced that, of the approximately 250 people on board, another 98 were hurt, with five of those in critical condition. The leader stated plans to go to Oaxaca to speak with those involved.

Key Undertaking of Previous Administration

The Interoceanic Train was a signature development scheme of the previous administration, whose term concluded the prior year. This project was closely associated with his leadership's economic vision for the southern region.

Another multi-billion dollar rail project from that period, a passenger and freight circuit around the Yucatán Peninsula, was also central to the comprehensive effort to stimulate the economy of a historically disadvantaged part of the country.

Project Execution and Risks Apprehensions

The construction of both train projects was overseen by the army, marking a notable growth of its responsibilities in civilian infrastructure. They were built at an accelerated pace, defying expectations to be partially launched before the end of that government.

However, this fast-paced schedule had concurrently sparked significant apprehensions over operational security.

• Sunday's accident was the third such incident on the Interoceanic Train this year.
• This involves an prior crash this month when a train hit a truck at a level crossing.
• The other major rail project has also seen a couple of non-lethal derailments.

Calls for Review and Suspension

In the aftermath of the catastrophe, the leader of a major opposition party demanded an prompt halt in the building and running of all similar projects.

This halt was suggested pending a comprehensive technical review. The party emphasized that the situation "requires swift accountability."

In response, the president asserted that the train had been operating in full compliance with all operational standards. Commitments were given that the government would continue to be "diligent" in both the construction and running of these national undertakings.