A minimum of 13 passengers perish and 98 injured in train derailment in Mexico.

A tragic train derailment in the Mexican state of Oaxaca has resulted in the deaths of at least 13 people, an incident expected to reignite censure from critics regarding the pace and management of the country's key public works projects.

The disaster occurred on the Interoceanic Train, a line constructed to connect the Atlantic and Pacific across the narrowest part of the Isthmus of Tehuantepec. This project was intended to offer an competing rail corridor to the Panama Canal, aimed at driving regional growth in the area.

“We will meticulously determine the cause of this tragedy,” affirmed the country's president.

The official announced that, of the approximately 250 people on board, another 98 were hurt, with five of those in serious condition. The leader added plans to go to Oaxaca to meet those impacted.

Major Initiative of Former Government

The Interoceanic Train was a central public works project of the immediate past president, whose presidency concluded the prior year. This rail line was a hallmark of his administration's developmental agenda for the southern region.

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

Project Execution and Worries

The building of both railway systems was supervised by the armed forces, marking a significant expansion of its role in public projects. They were completed at an rapid rate, surpassing predictions to be at least partly opened before the end of that administration.

However, this rushed timetable had simultaneously sparked significant questions over operational security.

• Sunday's derailment was the third event on the Interoceanic Train in the current year.
• This encompasses an prior accident this month when a train struck a truck at a crossing.
• The other major rail project has also experienced a couple of non-deadly derailments.

Calls for Review and Suspension

In the aftermath of the disaster, the chief of a major opposition party called for an prompt pause in the construction and operation of all such projects.

This halt was suggested until the completion of a comprehensive independent investigation. The party emphasized that the loss of life "calls for prompt explanations."

In reaction, the president maintained that the train had been functioning in complete accordance with all safety requirements. Assurances were given that the government would continue to be "responsible" in both the construction and running of these strategic initiatives.