No fewer than 13 people lose their lives and ninety-eight injured in train crash in the nation of Mexico.

A fatal train crash in the Mexican state of Oaxaca has caused the fatalities of at least 13 people, an incident likely to revive opposition criticisms regarding the speed and execution of the country's major public works projects.

The accident happened on the trans-isthmus railway, a route developed to join the Atlantic and Pacific across the thinnest stretch of the Isthmus of Tehuantepec. This initiative was designed to establish an competing rail corridor to the Panama Canal, aimed at driving economic development in the area.

“We are going to thoroughly investigate the reasons behind this incident,” affirmed the country's president.

The leader announced that, of the approximately 250 people on board, another 98 were injured, with five of those in serious condition. The president stated plans to go to Oaxaca to confer with those affected.

Flagship Project of Previous Administration

The Interoceanic Train was a signature development scheme of the previous administration, whose time in office ended the prior year. This venture was a hallmark of his administration's strategic vision for the southern region.

Another multi-billion dollar rail project from that period, a passenger and freight circuit around the Yucatán Peninsula, was also integral to the wider plan to revitalize the economy of a comparatively disadvantaged part of the country.

Building Management and Safety Concerns

The development of both rail lines was overseen by the army, marking a notable growth of its role in public projects. They were executed at an accelerated pace, defying forecasts to be at least partly opened before the end of that presidency.

However, this fast-paced schedule had concurrently sparked ongoing questions over construction quality.

• Sunday's crash was the third event on the Interoceanic Train in the current year.
• This includes an prior crash this month when a train struck a truck at a level crossing.
• The other major rail project has also experienced a couple of non-deadly derailments.

Appeals for Review and Suspension

In the wake of the catastrophe, the head of a key rival party urged an urgent halt in the building and running of all comparable projects.

This pause was proposed pending a thorough safety audit. The party declared that the loss of life "requires prompt explanations."

In reply, the president maintained that the train had been operating in total accordance with all security protocols. Assurances were given that the government would remain "diligent" in both the construction and running of these vital initiatives.