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

A fatal railway accident in the southern state of Oaxaca has caused the fatalities of at least 13 people, an incident sure to fuel critical opposition regarding the pace and handling of the country's major government projects.

The accident took place on the trans-isthmus railway, a line developed to connect the Atlantic and Pacific Ocean across the narrowest part of the Isthmus of Tehuantepec. This project was created to provide an alternative rail cargo route to the Panama Canal, intended to promote commercial progress in the area.

“We are going to meticulously determine the reasons behind this incident,” stated the country's president.

The president confirmed that, of the approximately 250 passengers on board, another 98 were hurt, with five of those in grave condition. The official added plans to visit Oaxaca to speak with those impacted.

Flagship Project of Former Government

The Interoceanic Train was a cornerstone development scheme of the former leader, whose presidency finished the prior year. This venture was intimately linked to his administration's strategic vision for the southeastern region.

Another multi-billion dollar rail project from that era, a passenger and freight circuit around the Yucatán Peninsula, was also central to the wider plan to kickstart the economic fortunes of a relatively poorer part of the country.

Project Execution and Worries

The construction of both train projects was managed by the army, marking a notable growth of its responsibilities in civilian projects. They were built at an rapid speed, defying forecasts to be partially launched before the end of that administration.

However, this accelerated timeline had also sparked ongoing questions over operational security.

• Sunday's accident was the third event on the Interoceanic Train in the current year.
• This includes an prior crash this month when a train smashed into a truck at a level crossing.
• The other major rail project has also experienced several non-lethal derailments.

Calls for Investigation and Halt

In the aftermath of the catastrophe, the leader of a key rival party called for an immediate halt in the construction and operation of all similar projects.

This halt was proposed while awaiting a thorough technical review. The party declared that the situation "requires swift accountability."

In reply, the president maintained that the train had been operating in full accordance with all security protocols. Promises were given that the government would continue to be "accountable" in both the development and running of these strategic initiatives.