A minimum of thirteen passengers lose their lives and ninety-eight hurt in train derailment in the nation of Mexico.

A fatal train crash in the Mexican state of Oaxaca has claimed the lives of at least 13 people, an incident sure to fuel opposition criticisms regarding the pace and handling of the country's key government projects.

The accident occurred on the trans-isthmus railway, a route constructed to join the Atlantic and Pacific across the narrowest part of the Isthmus of Tehuantepec. This endeavor was intended to establish an competing rail corridor to the Panama Canal, intended to promote regional growth in the area.

“We will thoroughly investigate the reasons behind this incident,” affirmed the national leader.

The official reported that, of the around 250 passengers on board, another 98 were hurt, with five of those in grave condition. The official added plans to visit Oaxaca to speak with those affected.

Key Undertaking of Former Government

The Interoceanic Train was a central development scheme of the previous administration, whose presidency concluded the year before. This project was a hallmark of his government's developmental goals for the southern region.

Another multi-billion dollar railway undertaking from that time, a passenger and freight circuit around the Yucatán Peninsula, was also central to the broader strategy to stimulate the economy of a relatively poorer part of the country.

Building Management and Worries

The construction of both rail lines was managed by the army, marking a dramatic expansion of its duties in national infrastructure. They were completed at an rapid speed, defying forecasts to be partially opened before the end of that government.

However, this rushed timetable had concurrently sparked significant concerns over safety standards.

• Sunday's crash was the third occurrence on the Interoceanic Train in the current year.
• This involves an prior accident 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 Investigation and Halt

In the aftermath of the disaster, the leader of a major opposition party called for an immediate pause in the development and management of all such projects.

This halt was suggested pending a thorough technical review. The party stated that the tragedy "requires swift accountability."

In reaction, the head of state insisted that the train had been operating in full accordance with all safety requirements. Promises were given that the government would continue to be "diligent" in both the development and running of these vital projects.