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

A tragic train derailment in the southern state of Oaxaca has claimed the lives of at least 13 people, an incident sure to fuel critical opposition regarding the speed and handling of the country's key public works projects.

The crash happened on the trans-isthmus railway, a route constructed to join the Atlantic Ocean and Pacific across the slenderest section of the Isthmus of Tehuantepec. This endeavor was designed to establish an different freight railway path to the Panama Canal, aimed at driving economic development in the area.

“We will rigorously clarify the reasons behind this incident,” affirmed the head of state.

The official reported that, of the approximately 250 individuals on board, another 98 were hurt, with five of those in grave condition. The leader added plans to go to Oaxaca to meet those impacted.

Flagship Project of Former Government

The Interoceanic Train was a signature public works project of the former leader, whose term finished the prior year. This venture was closely associated with his government's developmental agenda for the southeastern region.

Another massive rail project from that period, a passenger and freight circuit around the Yucatán Peninsula, was also part of the wider plan to stimulate the economy of a relatively poorer part of the country.

Project Execution and Worries

The construction of both rail lines was managed by the nation's military, marking a notable increase of its responsibilities in national infrastructure. They were executed at an rapid rate, defying forecasts to be partially launched before the end of that government.

However, this rushed timetable had concurrently sparked persistent concerns over construction quality.

• Sunday's derailment was the third event on the Interoceanic Train in the current year.
• This involves an earlier collision this month when a train hit a truck at a crossing.
• The other major rail project has also experienced two non-fatal derailments.

Demands for Investigation and Halt

In the aftermath of the tragedy, the leader of a major opposition party demanded an prompt halt in the building and running of all such projects.

This stoppage was requested while awaiting a comprehensive safety audit. The party stated that the tragedy "demands immediate answers."

In response, the national leader insisted that the train had been running in total compliance with all security protocols. Assurances were given that the government would continue to be "diligent" in both the development and operation of these national projects.