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

A tragic train crash in the southern state of Oaxaca has resulted in the deaths of at least 13 people, an incident expected to reignite opposition criticisms regarding the speed and execution of the country's major infrastructure initiatives.

The disaster took place on the Interoceanic Train, a route constructed to connect the Atlantic Ocean and Pacific Ocean across the thinnest stretch of the Isthmus of Tehuantepec. This project was designed to provide an alternative rail cargo route to the Panama Canal, with the goal of spurring commercial progress in the area.

“We shall meticulously determine what caused this incident,” declared the country's president.

The official announced that, of the some 250 passengers on board, another 98 were wounded, with five of those in grave condition. The president stated plans to travel to Oaxaca to speak with those involved.

Flagship Project of Previous Administration

The Interoceanic Train was a cornerstone public works project of the former leader, whose term finished the previous year. This venture was closely associated with his leadership's strategic goals for the southeastern region.

Another ambitious train initiative from that period, a tourist and cargo loop around the Yucatán Peninsula, was also integral to the broader strategy to revitalize the economic fortunes of a historically disadvantaged part of the country.

Construction Oversight and Safety Concerns

The building of both rail lines was supervised by the nation's military, marking a significant increase of its duties in national works. They were executed at an accelerated pace, defying expectations to be partially launched before the end of that administration.

However, this rushed timetable had simultaneously fueled significant apprehensions over operational security.

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

Demands for Review and Suspension

In the wake of the tragedy, the chief of a key rival party demanded an immediate pause in the development and management of all such projects.

This stoppage was proposed while awaiting a full technical review. The party emphasized that the situation "requires immediate answers."

In response, the national leader asserted that the train had been functioning in complete adherence to all operational standards. Assurances were given that the government would be "accountable" in both the construction and operation of these national initiatives.