At least 13 individuals killed and 98 injured in train derailment in Mexico.

A tragic railway accident in the southern state of Oaxaca has resulted in the deaths of at least 13 people, an incident expected to reignite censure from critics regarding the pace and execution of the country's major public works projects.

The crash occurred on the Interoceanic Train, a route developed to link the Atlantic Ocean and Pacific across the narrowest part of the Isthmus of Tehuantepec. This initiative was designed to offer an different freight railway path to the Panama Canal, with the goal of spurring commercial progress in the area.

“We shall thoroughly investigate what caused this incident,” stated the country's president.

The president reported that, of the some 250 people on board, another 98 were wounded, with five of those in serious condition. The president noted plans to travel to Oaxaca to confer with those impacted.

Major Initiative of Former Government

The Interoceanic Train was a signature infrastructure project of the former leader, whose presidency ended the prior year. This project was closely associated with his administration's developmental agenda for the southern region.

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

Building Management and Worries

The building of both railway systems was supervised by the armed forces, marking a notable increase of its duties in civilian works. They were built at an fast-tracked pace, beating forecasts to be at least partly opened before the end of that administration.

However, this fast-paced schedule had also fueled ongoing questions over construction quality.

• Sunday's crash was the third occurrence on the Interoceanic Train in the current year.
• This includes an prior collision this month when a train hit a truck at a railroad crossing.
• The other major rail project has also had two non-fatal derailments.

Demands for Investigation and Halt

In the wake of the catastrophe, the head of a primary political opposition called for an immediate halt in the building and running of all comparable projects.

This pause was requested until the completion of a thorough safety audit. The party stated that the tragedy "calls for prompt explanations."

In reply, the head of state insisted that the train had been operating in full accordance with all safety requirements. Commitments were given that the government would be "responsible" in both the construction and operation of these vital undertakings.