A minimum of thirteen people killed and ninety-eight hurt in rail accident in the nation of Mexico.

A deadly train derailment in the Mexican state of Oaxaca has caused the fatalities of at least 13 people, an incident expected to reignite opposition criticisms regarding the rapidity and management of the country's flagship government projects.

The disaster took place on the Interoceanic Train, a line constructed to link the Atlantic Ocean and Pacific Ocean across the thinnest stretch of the Isthmus of Tehuantepec. This endeavor was created to offer an alternative rail cargo route to the Panama Canal, aimed at driving regional growth in the area.

“We will thoroughly investigate the cause of this accident,” stated the country's president.

The official announced that, of the around 250 passengers on board, another 98 were hurt, with five of those in grave condition. The leader added plans to go to Oaxaca to confer with those affected.

Key Undertaking of Former Government

The Interoceanic Train was a signature infrastructure project of the previous administration, whose term concluded the previous year. This venture was closely associated with his administration's economic goals for the southern region.

Another ambitious rail project from that period, a passenger and freight circuit around the Yucatán Peninsula, was also integral to the broader strategy to revitalize the economy of a comparatively less developed part of the country.

Construction Oversight and Risks Apprehensions

The building of both railway systems was managed by the armed forces, marking a significant growth of its duties in national projects. They were executed at an rapid rate, defying forecasts to be at least partly opened before the end of that government.

However, this accelerated timeline had concurrently fueled significant concerns over operational security.

• Sunday's crash was the third event on the Interoceanic Train this year.
• This includes an earlier crash this month when a train hit a truck at a level crossing.
• The other major rail project has also seen two non-fatal derailments.

Appeals for Review and Suspension

In the wake of the disaster, the leader of a primary political opposition called for an prompt suspension in the building and running of all such projects.

This halt was proposed until the completion of a full safety audit. The party stated that the tragedy "calls for prompt explanations."

In reply, the president 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 projects.