No fewer than 13 people killed and 98 injured in rail accident in Mexico.

A fatal railway accident in the Mexican state of Oaxaca has resulted in the deaths of at least 13 people, an incident likely to revive censure from critics regarding the rapidity and management of the country's major government projects.

The accident happened on the Interoceanic Train, a route constructed to link the Atlantic Ocean and Pacific across the thinnest stretch of the Isthmus of Tehuantepec. This endeavor was designed to offer an alternative rail cargo route to the Panama Canal, with the goal of spurring commercial progress in the area.

“We are going to thoroughly investigate the reasons behind this tragedy,” affirmed the national leader.

The leader reported that, of the around 250 people on board, another 98 were injured, with five of those in grave condition. The official stated plans to visit Oaxaca to confer with those involved.

Key Undertaking of Previous Administration

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

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

Building Management and Worries

The development of both train projects was managed by the armed forces, marking a significant expansion of its responsibilities in civilian projects. They were executed at an fast-tracked rate, beating forecasts to be at least partly inaugurated before the end of that presidency.

However, this fast-paced schedule had also sparked persistent apprehensions over operational security.

• Sunday's crash was the third event on the Interoceanic Train in the current year.
• This encompasses an earlier crash this month when a train struck a truck at a railroad crossing.
• The other major rail project has also seen a couple of non-fatal derailments.

Appeals for Review and Suspension

In the aftermath of the disaster, the leader of a major opposition party urged an prompt pause in the building and running of all comparable projects.

This stoppage was suggested while awaiting a comprehensive technical review. The party emphasized that the tragedy "requires swift accountability."

In reaction, the head of state asserted that the train had been functioning in complete accordance with all operational standards. Commitments were given that the government would remain "diligent" in both the development and management of these strategic projects.