No fewer than 13 passengers lose their lives and 98 wounded in rail accident in the nation of Mexico.

A deadly train crash in the southern state of Oaxaca has claimed the lives of at least 13 people, an incident sure to fuel critical opposition regarding the speed and handling of the country's major government projects.

The crash occurred on the Interoceanic Corridor train, a route developed to connect the Atlantic Ocean and Pacific across the slenderest section of the Isthmus of Tehuantepec. This endeavor was designed to provide an different freight railway path to the Panama Canal, intended to promote economic development in the area.

“We will rigorously clarify what caused this accident,” affirmed the head of state.

The official reported that, of the around 250 passengers on board, another 98 were wounded, with five of those in critical condition. The leader stated plans to travel to Oaxaca to confer with those affected.

Key Undertaking of Previous Administration

The Interoceanic Train was a signature infrastructure project of the immediate past president, whose presidency ended the previous year. This venture was a hallmark of his leadership's economic vision for the southern region.

Another multi-billion dollar rail project from that time, a passenger and freight circuit around the Yucatán Peninsula, was also integral to the comprehensive effort to kickstart the economic fortunes of a historically disadvantaged part of the country.

Building Management and Risks Apprehensions

The building of both rail lines was managed by the army, marking a significant increase of its role in public projects. They were executed at an accelerated rate, beating predictions to be partially launched before the end of that presidency.

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

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

Demands for Audit and Pause

In the aftermath of the catastrophe, the head of a major opposition party urged an urgent suspension in the development and management of all similar projects.

This stoppage was proposed until the completion of a thorough technical review. The party stated that the tragedy "calls for swift accountability."

In response, the head of state insisted that the train had been operating in complete adherence to all security protocols. Assurances were given that the government would continue to be "accountable" in both the development and management of these national projects.