No fewer than 13 people lose their lives and 98 injured 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 opposition criticisms regarding the rapidity and handling of the country's major government projects.

The crash happened on the Interoceanic Train, a rail link developed to connect the Atlantic Ocean and Pacific across the narrowest part of the Isthmus of Tehuantepec. This endeavor was intended to provide an competing rail corridor to the Panama Canal, with the goal of spurring commercial progress in the area.

“We shall rigorously clarify the reasons behind this tragedy,” declared the national leader.

The official announced that, of the some 250 passengers on board, another 98 were injured, with five of those in serious condition. The official added plans to travel to Oaxaca to confer with those impacted.

Key Undertaking of Former Government

The Interoceanic Train was a central development scheme of the former leader, whose presidency concluded the previous year. This rail line was closely associated with his government's strategic vision for the southern region.

Another multi-billion dollar train initiative 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 disadvantaged part of the country.

Project Execution and Worries

The building of both railway systems was managed by the armed forces, marking a significant expansion of its duties in national works. They were built at an accelerated rate, defying expectations to be partially launched before the end of that administration.

However, this rushed timetable had also sparked ongoing apprehensions over safety standards.

• Sunday's accident was the third event on the Interoceanic Train in the current year.
• This includes an prior collision this month when a train smashed into a truck at a railroad crossing.
• The other major rail project has also had several non-lethal derailments.

Calls for Review and Suspension

In the wake of the tragedy, the head of a major opposition party urged an urgent suspension in the development and management of all such projects.

This stoppage was proposed while awaiting a thorough safety audit. The party stated that the tragedy "requires immediate answers."

In response, the national leader maintained that the train had been functioning in complete accordance with all operational standards. Assurances were given that the government would remain "accountable" in both the construction and management of these vital undertakings.