At least thirteen people perish and 98 wounded in train derailment in Mexico.

A fatal train crash in the southern state of Oaxaca has claimed the lives of at least 13 people, an incident likely to revive critical opposition regarding the rapidity and management of the country's key government projects.

The accident happened on the Interoceanic Train, a route developed to link the Atlantic and Pacific Ocean across the narrowest part of the Isthmus of Tehuantepec. This project was created to establish an alternative rail cargo route to the Panama Canal, aimed at driving commercial progress in the area.

“We will rigorously clarify the cause of this incident,” stated the national leader.

The president reported that, of the around 250 passengers on board, another 98 were injured, with five of those in grave condition. The official added plans to go to Oaxaca to meet those impacted.

Key Undertaking of Former Government

The Interoceanic Train was a central infrastructure project of the former leader, whose term concluded the previous year. This venture was a hallmark of his government's strategic goals for the southeastern region.

Another multi-billion dollar railway undertaking from that time, a tourist and cargo loop around the Yucatán Peninsula, was also central to the comprehensive effort to revitalize the economy of a historically less developed part of the country.

Construction Oversight and Risks Apprehensions

The building of both train projects was overseen by the armed forces, marking a notable growth of its role in civilian infrastructure. They were built at an fast-tracked pace, defying predictions to be partially opened before the end of that administration.

However, this fast-paced schedule had concurrently fueled ongoing questions over operational security.

• Sunday's accident was the third occurrence on the Interoceanic Train within the past twelve months.
• This involves an prior collision this month when a train smashed into a truck at a crossing.
• The other major rail project has also seen a couple of non-fatal derailments.

Calls for Investigation and Halt

In the wake of the tragedy, the chief of a key rival party demanded an urgent suspension in the building and running of all such projects.

This stoppage was suggested while awaiting a comprehensive independent investigation. The party emphasized that the tragedy "requires prompt explanations."

In response, the national leader maintained that the train had been operating in total compliance with all security protocols. Promises were given that the government would continue to be "accountable" in both the construction and operation of these vital projects.