No fewer than thirteen people perish and 98 wounded in train crash in the nation of Mexico.

A fatal train derailment in the Mexican state of Oaxaca has caused the fatalities of at least 13 people, an incident likely to revive critical opposition regarding the rapidity and execution of the country's major government projects.

The disaster happened on the Interoceanic Corridor train, a route constructed to join the Atlantic and Pacific across the narrowest part of the Isthmus of Tehuantepec. This project was designed to establish an alternative rail cargo route to the Panama Canal, with the goal of spurring commercial progress in the area.

“We are going to meticulously determine the cause of this tragedy,” stated the head of state.

The president announced that, of the some 250 individuals on board, another 98 were injured, with five of those in serious condition. The president stated plans to go to Oaxaca to meet those affected.

Key Undertaking of Former Government

The Interoceanic Train was a signature development scheme of the immediate past president, whose term finished the previous year. This venture was closely associated with his leadership's strategic vision for the southern region.

Another ambitious railway undertaking from that time, a passenger and freight circuit around the Yucatán Peninsula, was also integral to the wider plan to revitalize the economic fortunes of a relatively poorer part of the country.

Project Execution and Safety Concerns

The construction of both railway systems was managed by the army, marking a notable increase of its duties in national works. They were executed at an rapid rate, surpassing predictions to be partially opened before the end of that government.

However, this rushed timetable had also fueled significant concerns over construction quality.

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

Demands for Review and Suspension

In the aftermath of the catastrophe, the leader of a key rival party called for an prompt halt in the building and running of all similar projects.

This halt was requested while awaiting a thorough safety audit. The party declared that the situation "demands swift accountability."

In response, the president maintained that the train had been running in total accordance with all security protocols. Assurances were given that the government would remain "accountable" in both the development and management of these vital projects.