No fewer than 13 passengers lose their lives and ninety-eight wounded in train crash 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 censure from critics regarding the speed and execution of the country's key infrastructure initiatives.

The accident took place on the Interoceanic Train, a rail link built to connect the Atlantic and Pacific Ocean across the slenderest section of the Isthmus of Tehuantepec. This initiative was created to provide an competing rail corridor to the Panama Canal, intended to promote economic development in the area.

“We shall rigorously clarify what caused this tragedy,” affirmed the national leader.

The official reported that, of the some 250 passengers on board, another 98 were injured, with five of those in serious condition. The official stated plans to visit Oaxaca to meet those impacted.

Flagship Project of Former Government

The Interoceanic Train was a signature public works project of the former leader, whose term concluded the prior year. This project was closely associated with his administration's strategic vision for the southern region.

Another massive railway undertaking from that period, a tourist and cargo loop around the Yucatán Peninsula, was also integral to the comprehensive effort to stimulate the economy of a historically less developed part of the country.

Building Management and Worries

The building of both railway systems was supervised by the nation's military, marking a significant expansion of its role in civilian infrastructure. They were executed at an rapid pace, defying predictions to be at least partly opened before the end of that administration.

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

• Sunday's accident was the third occurrence on the Interoceanic Train this year.
• This involves an previous accident this month when a train struck a truck at a crossing.
• The other major rail project has also had several non-deadly derailments.

Calls for Investigation and Halt

In the wake of the tragedy, the chief of a major opposition party urged an prompt halt in the construction and operation of all such projects.

This stoppage was requested while awaiting a thorough safety audit. The party emphasized that the tragedy "demands immediate answers."

In reply, the head of state asserted that the train had been running in full accordance with all security protocols. Commitments were given that the government would be "diligent" in both the construction and operation of these vital projects.