At least thirteen passengers killed and 98 hurt in rail accident in Mexico.

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

The disaster happened on the trans-isthmus railway, a line built to link the Atlantic and Pacific Ocean across the narrowest part of the Isthmus of Tehuantepec. This project was created to establish an alternative rail cargo route to the Panama Canal, aimed at driving economic development in the area.

“We are going to thoroughly investigate the cause of this accident,” affirmed the head of state.

The president confirmed that, of the some 250 individuals on board, another 98 were hurt, with five of those in serious condition. The president added plans to travel to Oaxaca to speak with those involved.

Key Undertaking of Former Government

The Interoceanic Train was a cornerstone development scheme of the immediate past president, whose time in office finished the year before. This rail line was a hallmark of his administration's developmental agenda for the southern region.

Another massive rail project from that period, a passenger and freight circuit around the Yucatán Peninsula, was also part of the broader strategy to stimulate the economic fortunes of a historically poorer part of the country.

Building Management and Worries

The building of both railway systems was overseen by the army, marking a dramatic increase of its role in civilian works. They were built at an accelerated rate, surpassing predictions to be partially opened before the end of that government.

However, this rushed timetable had concurrently sparked ongoing questions over operational security.

• Sunday's crash was the third occurrence on the Interoceanic Train in the current year.
• This encompasses an previous collision this month when a train smashed into a truck at a railroad crossing.
• The other major rail project has also experienced a couple of non-lethal derailments.

Calls for Review and Suspension

In the aftermath of the disaster, the chief of a key rival party demanded an immediate suspension in the building and running of all such projects.

This halt was proposed pending a thorough safety audit. The party declared that the tragedy "calls for swift accountability."

In reply, the national leader asserted that the train had been functioning in complete accordance with all operational standards. Assurances were given that the government would continue to be "diligent" in both the construction and running of these national initiatives.