At least 13 people perish and 98 hurt in train crash in Mexico.

A deadly railway accident in the Mexican state of Oaxaca has claimed the lives of at least 13 people, an incident sure to fuel censure from critics regarding the rapidity and execution of the country's key public works projects.

The accident happened on the Interoceanic Train, a line developed to connect the Atlantic and Pacific across the thinnest stretch of the Isthmus of Tehuantepec. This project was created to provide an alternative rail cargo route to the Panama Canal, intended to promote commercial progress in the area.

“We shall thoroughly investigate the reasons behind this incident,” declared the country's president.

The leader reported that, of the approximately 250 individuals on board, another 98 were injured, with five of those in grave condition. The president noted plans to visit Oaxaca to meet those involved.

Key Undertaking of Past Leadership

The Interoceanic Train was a cornerstone development scheme of the previous administration, whose term ended the previous year. This project was intimately linked to his administration's economic goals for the southeastern region.

Another ambitious train initiative from that period, a tourist and cargo loop around the Yucatán Peninsula, was also central to the comprehensive effort to kickstart the economy of a relatively less developed part of the country.

Construction Oversight and Worries

The construction of both train projects was managed by the army, marking a dramatic increase of its responsibilities in civilian projects. They were completed at an rapid speed, beating forecasts to be at least partly inaugurated before the end of that presidency.

However, this fast-paced schedule had simultaneously fueled persistent questions over operational security.

• Sunday's accident was the third such incident on the Interoceanic Train this year.
• This encompasses an previous collision this month when a train struck a truck at a railroad crossing.
• The other major rail project has also seen a couple of non-fatal derailments.

Appeals for Audit and Pause

In the wake of the catastrophe, the chief of a primary political opposition called for an prompt halt in the building and running of all similar projects.

This halt was proposed pending a comprehensive independent investigation. The party stated that the tragedy "calls for swift accountability."

In reply, the president asserted that the train had been functioning in full accordance with all safety requirements. Promises were given that the government would be "diligent" in both the development and operation of these vital initiatives.