A minimum of 13 people killed and ninety-eight wounded in train crash in the nation of Mexico.

A tragic train derailment in the southern state of Oaxaca has caused the fatalities of at least 13 people, an incident expected to reignite critical opposition regarding the pace and execution of the country's major public works projects.

The crash happened on the Interoceanic Train, a line constructed to link the Atlantic Ocean and Pacific Ocean across the slenderest section of the Isthmus of Tehuantepec. This endeavor was intended to establish an different freight railway path to the Panama Canal, aimed at driving economic development in the area.

“We shall thoroughly investigate the reasons behind this incident,” stated the head of state.

The official reported that, of the some 250 people on board, another 98 were wounded, with five of those in critical condition. The official added plans to visit Oaxaca to speak with those affected.

Major Initiative of Former Government

The Interoceanic Train was a cornerstone public works project of the previous administration, whose time in office concluded the year before. This project was closely associated with his leadership's strategic agenda for the southeastern region.

Another multi-billion dollar rail project from that period, a passenger and freight circuit around the Yucatán Peninsula, was also part of the wider plan to kickstart the economy of a historically poorer part of the country.

Project Execution and Worries

The construction of both railway systems was supervised by the army, marking a notable increase of its duties in national projects. They were completed at an rapid rate, defying forecasts to be at least partly inaugurated before the end of that presidency.

However, this accelerated timeline had simultaneously sparked persistent apprehensions over operational security.

• Sunday's derailment was the third event on the Interoceanic Train within the past twelve months.
• This involves an earlier accident this month when a train smashed into a truck at a crossing.
• The other major rail project has also had two non-fatal derailments.

Appeals for Review and Suspension

In the aftermath of the catastrophe, the leader of a key rival party demanded an immediate halt in the building and running of all comparable projects.

This pause was requested pending a comprehensive independent investigation. The party emphasized that the loss of life "demands swift accountability."

In response, the president asserted that the train had been running in total compliance with all security protocols. Assurances were given that the government would continue to be "responsible" in both the development and management of these national undertakings.