At least thirteen people lose their lives and 98 wounded in train crash in Mexico.

A tragic train crash in the Mexican state of Oaxaca has caused the fatalities of at least 13 people, an incident sure to fuel opposition criticisms regarding the speed and execution of the country's flagship government projects.

The crash happened on the Interoceanic Train, a line constructed to link the Atlantic Ocean and Pacific across the slenderest section of the Isthmus of Tehuantepec. This project was created to offer an different freight railway path to the Panama Canal, with the goal of spurring commercial progress in the area.

“We are going to thoroughly investigate the cause of this tragedy,” affirmed the country's president.

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

Major Initiative of Former Government

The Interoceanic Train was a cornerstone development scheme of the former leader, whose term ended the prior year. This rail line was intimately linked to his government's economic goals for the southern region.

Another multi-billion dollar rail project from that time, a tourist and cargo loop around the Yucatán Peninsula, was also integral to the wider plan to kickstart the economic fortunes of a comparatively disadvantaged part of the country.

Construction Oversight and Safety Concerns

The development of both train projects was overseen by the nation's military, marking a notable increase of its duties in public projects. They were executed at an fast-tracked speed, defying predictions to be at least partly opened before the end of that administration.

However, this fast-paced schedule had also sparked persistent concerns over safety standards.

• Sunday's crash was the third event on the Interoceanic Train this year.
• This includes an previous accident 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.

Demands for Audit and Pause

In the wake of the disaster, the leader of a major opposition party urged an prompt suspension in the construction and operation of all comparable projects.

This halt was suggested while awaiting a thorough technical review. The party emphasized that the loss of life "requires prompt explanations."

In reaction, the national leader asserted that the train had been operating in full compliance with all operational standards. Commitments were given that the government would be "responsible" in both the development and management of these vital initiatives.