A minimum of 13 passengers lose their lives and 98 injured in train derailment in Mexico.

A fatal train crash in the southern state of Oaxaca has resulted in the deaths of at least 13 people, an incident expected to reignite censure from critics regarding the speed and handling of the country's key public works projects.

The crash took place on the trans-isthmus railway, a route built to connect the Atlantic and Pacific Ocean across the narrowest part of the Isthmus of Tehuantepec. This project was created to establish an competing rail corridor to the Panama Canal, intended to promote economic development in the area.

“We shall rigorously clarify what caused this tragedy,” declared the head of state.

The official confirmed that, of the some 250 people on board, another 98 were injured, with five of those in grave condition. The president stated plans to go to Oaxaca to confer with those involved.

Major Initiative of Previous Administration

The Interoceanic Train was a signature development scheme of the previous administration, whose term ended the prior year. This project was a hallmark of his leadership's strategic agenda for the southern 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 kickstart the economy of a historically disadvantaged part of the country.

Building Management and Worries

The development of both rail lines was managed by the armed forces, marking a notable increase of its role in national works. They were executed at an rapid rate, defying forecasts to be at least partly launched before the end of that government.

However, this accelerated timeline had simultaneously fueled persistent questions over safety standards.

• Sunday's crash was the third occurrence on the Interoceanic Train within the past twelve months.
• This includes an earlier collision this month when a train smashed into a truck at a level crossing.
• The other major rail project has also had several non-fatal derailments.

Demands for Review and Suspension

In the aftermath of the tragedy, the head of a key rival party demanded an prompt suspension in the building and running of all similar projects.

This halt was requested until the completion of a comprehensive independent investigation. The party declared that the tragedy "calls for prompt explanations."

In reply, the president maintained that the train had been running in total adherence to all security protocols. Assurances were given that the government would continue to be "accountable" in both the construction and running of these strategic projects.