A minimum of 13 passengers perish and ninety-eight hurt in train crash in Mexico.

A deadly train derailment in the southern state of Oaxaca has caused the fatalities of at least 13 people, an incident likely to revive censure from critics regarding the pace and management of the country's flagship government projects.

The disaster took place on the Interoceanic Train, a route developed to join the Atlantic and Pacific Ocean across the slenderest section of the Isthmus of Tehuantepec. This project was intended to provide an competing rail corridor to the Panama Canal, with the goal of spurring regional growth in the area.

“We shall rigorously clarify what caused this accident,” stated the head of state.

The leader announced that, of the approximately 250 individuals on board, another 98 were wounded, with five of those in critical condition. The president noted plans to travel to Oaxaca to confer with those affected.

Flagship Project of Former Government

The Interoceanic Train was a cornerstone development scheme of the former leader, whose presidency ended the previous year. This venture was closely associated with his government's developmental goals for the southern region.

Another ambitious railway undertaking from that era, a tourist and cargo loop around the Yucatán Peninsula, was also part of the wider plan to revitalize the economic fortunes of a comparatively disadvantaged part of the country.

Construction Oversight and Risks Apprehensions

The building of both train projects was supervised by the armed forces, marking a significant growth of its responsibilities in civilian projects. They were completed at an rapid speed, surpassing forecasts to be at least partly opened before the end of that government.

However, this rushed timetable had simultaneously fueled significant apprehensions over safety standards.

• Sunday's derailment was the third occurrence on the Interoceanic Train in the current year.
• This includes an previous collision this month when a train struck a truck at a level crossing.
• The other major rail project has also seen two non-lethal derailments.

Calls for Investigation and Halt

In the aftermath of the catastrophe, the head of a major opposition party called for an immediate halt in the building and running of all such projects.

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

In response, the head of state maintained that the train had been functioning in complete adherence to all security protocols. Commitments were given that the government would continue to be "diligent" in both the construction and running of these vital undertakings.