No fewer than 13 passengers perish and 98 injured in rail accident in Mexico.

A fatal train derailment in the southern state of Oaxaca has claimed the lives of at least 13 people, an incident expected to reignite censure from critics regarding the pace and management of the country's key government projects.

The disaster happened on the trans-isthmus railway, a route built to connect the Atlantic and Pacific across the thinnest stretch of the Isthmus of Tehuantepec. This endeavor was intended to offer an different freight railway path to the Panama Canal, aimed at driving commercial progress in the area.

“We shall thoroughly investigate the reasons behind this tragedy,” affirmed the national leader.

The leader confirmed that, of the around 250 passengers on board, another 98 were wounded, with five of those in critical condition. The president added plans to travel to Oaxaca to meet those involved.

Key Undertaking of Former Government

The Interoceanic Train was a cornerstone development scheme of the previous administration, whose time in office ended the previous year. This rail line was closely associated with his leadership's developmental agenda for the southern region.

Another ambitious rail project from that era, a tourist and cargo loop around the Yucatán Peninsula, was also part of the wider plan to kickstart the economic fortunes of a comparatively disadvantaged part of the country.

Project Execution and Risks Apprehensions

The construction of both train projects was overseen by the army, marking a significant growth of its duties in national infrastructure. They were completed at an accelerated rate, surpassing predictions to be at least partly launched before the end of that administration.

However, this accelerated timeline had concurrently sparked significant apprehensions over operational security.

• Sunday's derailment was the third event on the Interoceanic Train in the current year.
• This includes an previous accident this month when a train hit a truck at a level crossing.
• The other major rail project has also had a couple of non-lethal derailments.

Appeals for Investigation and Halt

In the aftermath of the catastrophe, the chief of a key rival party called for an immediate halt in the building and running of all similar projects.

This stoppage was suggested while awaiting a full safety audit. The party declared that the situation "calls for swift accountability."

In reaction, the national leader insisted that the train had been functioning in full adherence to all safety requirements. Assurances were given that the government would remain "responsible" in both the development and operation of these national projects.