No fewer than 13 people perish and ninety-eight hurt in train crash in Mexico.

A deadly railway accident in the Mexican state of Oaxaca has resulted in the deaths of at least 13 people, an incident sure to fuel opposition criticisms regarding the rapidity and handling of the country's major public works projects.

The accident took place on the Interoceanic Corridor train, a line constructed to join the Atlantic and Pacific across the thinnest stretch of the Isthmus of Tehuantepec. This initiative was designed to establish an different freight railway path to the Panama Canal, intended to promote regional growth in the area.

“We shall rigorously clarify what caused this incident,” affirmed the country's president.

The official confirmed that, of the around 250 individuals on board, another 98 were wounded, with five of those in grave condition. The leader noted plans to visit Oaxaca to meet those affected.

Flagship Project of Past Leadership

The Interoceanic Train was a central development scheme of the immediate past president, whose time in office finished the prior year. This venture was closely associated with his administration's developmental goals for the southeastern region.

Another multi-billion dollar rail project from that time, a tourist and cargo loop around the Yucatán Peninsula, was also central to the wider plan to revitalize the economy of a historically poorer part of the country.

Construction Oversight and Worries

The building of both rail lines was supervised by the nation's military, marking a significant expansion of its role in public works. They were built at an rapid speed, beating predictions to be partially inaugurated before the end of that government.

However, this accelerated timeline had also fueled persistent questions over safety standards.

• Sunday's accident was the third event on the Interoceanic Train in the current year.
• This includes an prior collision this month when a train struck a truck at a railroad crossing.
• The other major rail project has also seen several non-deadly derailments.

Calls for Investigation and Halt

In the wake of the disaster, the head of a key rival party demanded an immediate halt in the building and running of all similar projects.

This stoppage was requested while awaiting a comprehensive safety audit. The party emphasized that the loss of life "demands prompt explanations."

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