At least 13 people perish and 98 hurt in train crash in Mexico.

A tragic train crash in the Mexican state of Oaxaca has resulted in the deaths of at least 13 people, an incident likely to revive critical opposition regarding the speed and execution of the country's major public works projects.

The crash happened on the Interoceanic Train, a rail link built to link the Atlantic and Pacific across the thinnest stretch of the Isthmus of Tehuantepec. This initiative was intended to offer an different freight railway path to the Panama Canal, aimed at driving commercial progress in the area.

“We shall rigorously clarify the cause of this incident,” affirmed the national leader.

The official reported 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 meet those affected.

Major Initiative of Former Government

The Interoceanic Train was a signature public works project of the former leader, whose term ended the previous year. This rail line was closely associated with his government's strategic vision for the southeastern region.

Another multi-billion dollar rail project from that era, a tourist and cargo loop around the Yucatán Peninsula, was also central to the wider plan to stimulate the economy of a historically less developed part of the country.

Project Execution and Worries

The building of both rail lines was managed by the nation's military, marking a notable expansion of its responsibilities in national infrastructure. They were completed at an accelerated speed, defying predictions to be at least partly opened before the end of that presidency.

However, this rushed timetable had simultaneously sparked persistent concerns over operational security.

• Sunday's accident was the third event on the Interoceanic Train in the current year.
• This encompasses an prior collision this month when a train smashed into a truck at a railroad crossing.
• The other major rail project has also had two non-fatal derailments.

Calls for Review and Suspension

In the wake of the tragedy, the head of a major opposition party urged an urgent suspension in the building and running of all such projects.

This halt was requested while awaiting a thorough safety audit. The party emphasized that the loss of life "calls for prompt explanations."

In reaction, the president maintained that the train had been operating in full adherence to all operational standards. Commitments were given that the government would be "responsible" in both the development and running of these strategic undertakings.