No fewer than 13 passengers lose their lives and 98 wounded in train crash in the nation of Mexico.

A deadly train derailment in the Mexican 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 accident took place on the trans-isthmus railway, a line built to connect the Atlantic Ocean and Pacific across the slenderest section of the Isthmus of Tehuantepec. This initiative was intended to offer an alternative rail cargo route to the Panama Canal, aimed at driving regional growth in the area.

“We are going to thoroughly investigate what caused this tragedy,” declared the national leader.

The president confirmed that, of the some 250 people on board, another 98 were hurt, with five of those in grave condition. The leader added plans to visit Oaxaca to speak with those impacted.

Key Undertaking of Previous Administration

The Interoceanic Train was a signature public works project of the former leader, whose presidency ended the previous year. This rail line was intimately linked to his government's developmental goals for the southeastern region.

Another ambitious rail project from that period, a tourist and cargo loop around the Yucatán Peninsula, was also central to the wider plan to kickstart the economy of a historically poorer part of the country.

Project Execution and Risks Apprehensions

The building of both rail lines was supervised by the army, marking a significant growth of its role in civilian infrastructure. They were built at an rapid rate, defying expectations to be partially launched before the end of that administration.

However, this fast-paced schedule had simultaneously sparked significant apprehensions over operational security.

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

Appeals for Review and Suspension

In the aftermath of the disaster, the chief of a primary political opposition urged an prompt pause in the construction and operation of all such projects.

This pause was requested while awaiting a thorough independent investigation. The party emphasized that the tragedy "requires swift accountability."

In reply, 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 be "accountable" in both the construction and management of these strategic initiatives.