A minimum of 13 passengers killed and 98 hurt in train crash in Mexico.

A tragic 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 handling of the country's key government projects.

The disaster happened on the Interoceanic Corridor train, a rail link constructed to connect the Atlantic Ocean and Pacific Ocean across the slenderest section of the Isthmus of Tehuantepec. This endeavor was created to establish an different freight railway path to the Panama Canal, intended to promote economic development in the area.

“We will thoroughly investigate the reasons behind this incident,” affirmed the national leader.

The leader confirmed that, of the some 250 passengers on board, another 98 were wounded, with five of those in serious condition. The president noted plans to visit Oaxaca to speak with those involved.

Key Undertaking of Previous Administration

The Interoceanic Train was a central public works project of the former leader, whose time in office concluded the year before. This rail line was intimately linked to his government's strategic agenda for the southern region.

Another ambitious railway undertaking from that time, a tourist and cargo loop around the Yucatán Peninsula, was also part of the wider plan to stimulate the economic fortunes of a historically less developed part of the country.

Building Management and Risks Apprehensions

The construction of both train projects was supervised by the armed forces, marking a notable increase of its responsibilities in public projects. They were built at an accelerated rate, surpassing expectations to be partially launched before the end of that presidency.

However, this accelerated timeline had also fueled significant questions over construction quality.

• Sunday's accident was the third such incident on the Interoceanic Train in the current year.
• This includes an earlier accident this month when a train struck a truck at a crossing.
• The other major rail project has also seen a couple of non-fatal derailments.

Demands for Audit and Pause

In the aftermath of the catastrophe, the leader of a key rival party demanded an prompt suspension in the construction and operation of all such projects.

This stoppage was requested while awaiting a thorough independent investigation. The party declared that the situation "demands prompt explanations."

In response, the president maintained that the train had been running in full adherence to all safety requirements. Promises were given that the government would be "accountable" in both the construction and management of these vital initiatives.