A minimum of thirteen passengers lose their lives and 98 hurt in train crash in the nation of Mexico.

A fatal train crash in the Mexican state of Oaxaca has resulted in the deaths of at least 13 people, an incident likely to revive opposition criticisms regarding the rapidity and execution of the country's key public works projects.

The crash happened on the trans-isthmus railway, a rail link constructed to link the Atlantic Ocean and Pacific Ocean across the narrowest part of the Isthmus of Tehuantepec. This initiative was created to provide an different freight railway path to the Panama Canal, aimed at driving commercial progress in the area.

“We are going to thoroughly investigate the reasons behind this accident,” declared the country's president.

The official confirmed that, of the some 250 passengers on board, another 98 were injured, with five of those in serious condition. The official noted plans to visit Oaxaca to speak with those involved.

Flagship Project of Former Government

The Interoceanic Train was a signature public works project of the previous administration, whose term ended the previous year. This project was a hallmark of his leadership's economic goals for the southeastern region.

Another massive rail project from that time, a tourist and cargo loop around the Yucatán Peninsula, was also integral to the comprehensive effort to stimulate the economic fortunes of a relatively poorer part of the country.

Construction Oversight and Worries

The development of both train projects was supervised by the army, marking a dramatic growth of its duties in public projects. They were executed at an accelerated pace, defying forecasts to be at least partly launched before the end of that presidency.

However, this fast-paced schedule had also raised persistent questions over operational security.

• Sunday's derailment was the third occurrence on the Interoceanic Train in the current year.
• This includes an previous collision this month when a train struck a truck at a level crossing.
• The other major rail project has also seen a couple of non-deadly derailments.

Calls for Investigation and Halt

In the aftermath of the tragedy, the leader of a key rival party called for an urgent suspension in the building and running of all similar projects.

This stoppage was suggested while awaiting a thorough independent investigation. The party stated that the loss of life "calls for immediate answers."

In reaction, the national leader maintained that the train had been operating in full accordance with all security protocols. Assurances were given that the government would continue to be "accountable" in both the development and management of these strategic projects.