No fewer than 13 individuals perish and ninety-eight injured in train crash in Mexico.

A deadly train crash in the southern state of Oaxaca has caused the fatalities of at least 13 people, an incident likely to revive censure from critics regarding the pace and handling of the country's major government projects.

The crash happened on the Interoceanic Corridor train, a route developed to connect the Atlantic and Pacific across the slenderest section of the Isthmus of Tehuantepec. This project was created to offer an competing rail corridor to the Panama Canal, with the goal of spurring economic development in the area.

“We shall thoroughly investigate what caused this accident,” declared the head of state.

The leader announced that, of the some 250 individuals on board, another 98 were wounded, with five of those in serious condition. The official noted plans to travel to Oaxaca to confer with those involved.

Flagship Project of Past Leadership

The Interoceanic Train was a cornerstone infrastructure project of the previous administration, whose time in office ended the prior year. This rail line was closely associated with his government's strategic goals for the southern region.

Another ambitious train initiative from that period, a passenger and freight circuit around the Yucatán Peninsula, was also central to the comprehensive effort to revitalize the economy of a historically disadvantaged part of the country.

Building Management and Risks Apprehensions

The development of both rail lines was supervised by the army, marking a significant growth of its duties in national infrastructure. They were built at an accelerated rate, surpassing expectations to be partially opened before the end of that government.

However, this accelerated timeline had concurrently raised ongoing questions over operational security.

• Sunday's accident was the third occurrence on the Interoceanic Train this year.
• This includes an prior collision this month when a train hit a truck at a level crossing.
• The other major rail project has also experienced a couple of non-lethal derailments.

Appeals for Audit and Pause

In the wake of the catastrophe, the head of a primary political opposition demanded an prompt suspension in the building and running of all similar projects.

This stoppage was suggested pending a comprehensive safety audit. The party emphasized that the loss of life "requires immediate answers."

In reaction, the head of state asserted that the train had been functioning in full compliance with all security protocols. Promises were given that the government would remain "responsible" in both the development and running of these vital projects.