No fewer than 13 people lose their lives and 98 wounded in train crash in the nation of Mexico.

A deadly railway accident in the southern state of Oaxaca has claimed the lives of at least 13 people, an incident expected to reignite opposition criticisms regarding the rapidity and handling of the country's flagship government projects.

The accident happened on the Interoceanic Train, a rail link constructed to connect the Atlantic and Pacific Ocean across the narrowest part of the Isthmus of Tehuantepec. This project was designed to offer an alternative rail cargo route to the Panama Canal, intended to promote economic development in the area.

“We shall thoroughly investigate the cause of this tragedy,” stated the national leader.

The president reported that, of the some 250 people on board, another 98 were injured, with five of those in critical condition. The leader stated plans to travel to Oaxaca to confer with those impacted.

Flagship Project of Former Government

The Interoceanic Train was a signature public works project of the previous administration, whose presidency concluded the year before. This venture was a hallmark of his government's economic vision for the southern region.

Another massive rail project from that period, a tourist and cargo loop around the Yucatán Peninsula, was also integral to the wider plan to kickstart the economy of a relatively poorer part of the country.

Project Execution and Risks Apprehensions

The building of both railway systems was supervised by the army, marking a significant expansion of its responsibilities in national projects. They were executed at an fast-tracked pace, beating forecasts to be partially opened before the end of that presidency.

However, this rushed timetable had simultaneously fueled significant apprehensions over construction quality.

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

Calls for Audit and Pause

In the wake of the disaster, the chief of a major opposition party urged an urgent halt in the building and running of all such projects.

This pause was requested pending a thorough independent investigation. The party stated that the tragedy "requires immediate answers."

In reply, the national leader asserted that the train had been running in total accordance with all operational standards. Assurances were given that the government would continue to be "responsible" in both the construction and management of these vital projects.