A minimum of 13 passengers lose their lives and ninety-eight injured in train derailment in the nation of Mexico.

A tragic railway accident in the southern state of Oaxaca has resulted in the deaths of at least 13 people, an incident sure to fuel critical opposition regarding the rapidity and handling of the country's key public works projects.

The accident occurred on the Interoceanic Train, a route constructed to join the Atlantic and Pacific Ocean across the thinnest stretch of the Isthmus of Tehuantepec. This project was designed to establish an different freight railway path to the Panama Canal, intended to promote regional growth in the area.

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

The official announced that, of the approximately 250 people on board, another 98 were hurt, with five of those in grave condition. The official noted plans to visit Oaxaca to meet those impacted.

Key Undertaking of Previous Administration

The Interoceanic Train was a central infrastructure project of the immediate past president, whose term ended the previous year. This project was closely associated with his administration's developmental goals for the southeastern region.

Another multi-billion dollar train initiative from that period, a tourist and cargo loop around the Yucatán Peninsula, was also central to the comprehensive effort to stimulate the economic fortunes of a comparatively disadvantaged part of the country.

Building Management and Worries

The building of both railway systems was managed by the armed forces, marking a dramatic increase of its responsibilities in national projects. They were built at an accelerated rate, surpassing forecasts to be at least partly launched before the end of that administration.

However, this accelerated timeline had also raised persistent questions over operational security.

• Sunday's accident was the third occurrence on the Interoceanic Train in the current year.
• This encompasses an earlier crash this month when a train hit a truck at a railroad crossing.
• The other major rail project has also had a couple of non-lethal derailments.

Calls for Investigation and Halt

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

This pause was suggested while awaiting a thorough independent investigation. The party declared that the loss of life "demands swift accountability."

In reply, the national leader insisted that the train had been operating in full accordance with all security protocols. Assurances were given that the government would continue to be "accountable" in both the construction and management of these vital initiatives.