No fewer than 13 people killed and 98 wounded in train derailment in the nation of Mexico.

A deadly train crash in the southern state of Oaxaca has resulted in the deaths of at least 13 people, an incident likely to revive critical opposition regarding the pace and execution of the country's key government projects.

The crash took place on the Interoceanic Train, a rail link built to connect the Atlantic Ocean and Pacific across the slenderest section of the Isthmus of Tehuantepec. This initiative was intended to establish an alternative rail cargo route to the Panama Canal, intended to promote economic development in the area.

“We will thoroughly investigate the reasons behind this accident,” stated the head of state.

The president announced that, of the around 250 passengers on board, another 98 were hurt, with five of those in critical condition. The president stated plans to travel to Oaxaca to confer with those affected.

Flagship Project of Past Leadership

The Interoceanic Train was a central infrastructure project of the immediate past president, whose term ended the prior year. This venture was intimately linked to his government's economic vision for the southern region.

Another massive train initiative from that era, a tourist and cargo loop around the Yucatán Peninsula, was also integral to the comprehensive effort to kickstart the economic fortunes of a comparatively less developed part of the country.

Construction Oversight and Worries

The building of both train projects was managed by the army, marking a notable growth of its role in civilian works. They were executed at an rapid rate, defying expectations to be partially inaugurated before the end of that presidency.

However, this accelerated timeline had also raised significant apprehensions over construction quality.

• Sunday's crash was the third such incident on the Interoceanic Train within the past twelve months.
• This involves an earlier crash this month when a train hit a truck at a level crossing.
• The other major rail project has also seen several non-deadly derailments.

Appeals for Review and Suspension

In the aftermath of the tragedy, the head of a primary political opposition demanded an immediate suspension in the development and management of all similar projects.

This stoppage was requested while awaiting a comprehensive technical review. The party stated that the tragedy "calls for immediate answers."

In reply, the national leader maintained that the train had been running in total compliance with all safety requirements. Commitments were given that the government would continue to be "responsible" in both the development and management of these national projects.