At least 13 people killed and 98 injured in rail accident in Mexico.

A deadly railway accident in the Mexican state of Oaxaca has claimed the lives of at least 13 people, an incident sure to fuel censure from critics regarding the rapidity and execution of the country's flagship public works projects.

The accident happened on the trans-isthmus railway, a line developed to join the Atlantic and Pacific across the thinnest stretch of the Isthmus of Tehuantepec. This initiative was intended to establish an alternative rail cargo route to the Panama Canal, intended to promote economic development in the area.

“We will thoroughly investigate the reasons behind this accident,” stated the country's president.

The leader confirmed that, of the some 250 individuals on board, another 98 were injured, with five of those in critical condition. The official noted plans to go to Oaxaca to confer with those affected.

Flagship Project of Former Government

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

Another massive railway undertaking from that period, a passenger and freight circuit around the Yucatán Peninsula, was also integral to the comprehensive effort to kickstart the economic fortunes of a historically less developed part of the country.

Project Execution and Worries

The construction of both rail lines was supervised by the nation's military, marking a notable expansion of its role in national works. They were completed at an rapid rate, beating predictions to be partially inaugurated before the end of that government.

However, this rushed timetable had also raised ongoing questions over operational security.

• Sunday's crash was the third such incident on the Interoceanic Train this year.
• This encompasses an earlier accident this month when a train hit a truck at a railroad crossing.
• The other major rail project has also had several non-fatal derailments.

Appeals for Review and Suspension

In the wake of the tragedy, the leader of a major opposition party called for an immediate suspension in the building and running of all such projects.

This stoppage was proposed pending a thorough technical review. The party stated that the loss of life "calls for prompt explanations."

In reaction, the president asserted that the train had been functioning in total compliance with all safety requirements. Commitments were given that the government would be "accountable" in both the construction and running of these national undertakings.