No fewer than thirteen passengers perish and 98 hurt in train crash in the nation of Mexico.

A fatal railway accident in the Mexican state of Oaxaca has caused the fatalities of at least 13 people, an incident sure to fuel critical opposition regarding the rapidity and handling of the country's flagship public works projects.

The crash happened on the Interoceanic Corridor train, a line constructed to link the Atlantic and Pacific across the slenderest section of the Isthmus of Tehuantepec. This initiative was created to offer an alternative rail cargo route to the Panama Canal, with the goal of spurring commercial progress in the area.

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

The official confirmed that, of the approximately 250 people on board, another 98 were hurt, with five of those in grave condition. The official noted plans to go to Oaxaca to speak with those affected.

Key Undertaking of Previous Administration

The Interoceanic Train was a signature development scheme of the immediate past president, whose term ended the year before. This venture was a hallmark of his government's economic agenda for the southern region.

Another ambitious rail project from that period, a tourist and cargo loop around the Yucatán Peninsula, was also part of the broader strategy to stimulate the economic fortunes of a comparatively poorer part of the country.

Building Management and Safety Concerns

The building of both railway systems was overseen by the armed forces, marking a notable growth of its duties in civilian infrastructure. They were completed at an accelerated rate, defying forecasts to be at least partly opened before the end of that administration.

However, this fast-paced schedule had simultaneously sparked significant apprehensions over construction quality.

• Sunday's derailment was the third occurrence on the Interoceanic Train within the past twelve months.
• This involves an earlier accident this month when a train smashed into a truck at a crossing.
• The other major rail project has also seen several non-lethal derailments.

Demands for Review and Suspension

In the wake of the tragedy, the head of a primary political opposition called for an prompt pause in the building and running of all comparable projects.

This pause was requested pending a thorough independent investigation. The party stated that the loss of life "requires swift accountability."

In reaction, the president insisted that the train had been functioning in full accordance with all security protocols. Assurances were given that the government would remain "accountable" in both the development and running of these national projects.