At least thirteen people lose their lives and ninety-eight injured in rail accident in the nation of Mexico.

A fatal railway accident in the southern state of Oaxaca has caused the fatalities of at least 13 people, an incident expected to reignite opposition criticisms regarding the rapidity and handling of the country's major infrastructure initiatives.

The disaster took place on the Interoceanic Train, a route constructed to connect the Atlantic and Pacific Ocean across the narrowest part of the Isthmus of Tehuantepec. This initiative was created to establish an alternative rail cargo route to the Panama Canal, intended to promote commercial progress in the area.

“We shall thoroughly investigate the reasons behind this accident,” stated the country's president.

The official announced that, of the around 250 individuals on board, another 98 were wounded, with five of those in serious condition. The president added plans to travel to Oaxaca to meet those involved.

Key Undertaking of Former Government

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 administration's developmental goals for the southeastern region.

Another multi-billion dollar rail project from that period, a passenger and freight circuit around the Yucatán Peninsula, was also integral to the broader strategy to revitalize the economy of a comparatively poorer part of the country.

Building Management and Worries

The construction of both railway systems was supervised by the armed forces, marking a dramatic expansion of its duties in public infrastructure. They were completed at an accelerated speed, defying predictions to be at least partly opened before the end of that administration.

However, this accelerated timeline had also sparked ongoing questions over operational security.

• Sunday's derailment was the third event on the Interoceanic Train in the current year.
• This involves an earlier crash this month when a train struck a truck at a crossing.
• The other major rail project has also seen two non-deadly derailments.

Calls for Investigation and Halt

In the aftermath of the catastrophe, the chief of a major opposition party called for an urgent halt in the building and running of all comparable projects.

This pause was proposed until the completion of a comprehensive safety audit. The party emphasized that the tragedy "requires swift accountability."

In response, the head of state maintained that the train had been running in total accordance with all safety requirements. Commitments were given that the government would continue to be "diligent" in both the development and management of these vital undertakings.