No fewer than thirteen passengers perish and 98 injured in train crash in Mexico.

A deadly railway accident in the Mexican state of Oaxaca has caused the fatalities of at least 13 people, an incident sure to fuel censure from critics regarding the speed and execution of the country's major infrastructure initiatives.

The disaster took place on the Interoceanic Train, a line built to connect the Atlantic Ocean and Pacific Ocean across the narrowest part of the Isthmus of Tehuantepec. This initiative was designed to provide 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,” stated the national leader.

The official reported that, of the some 250 people on board, another 98 were hurt, with five of those in serious condition. The president noted plans to go to Oaxaca to speak with those impacted.

Major Initiative of Previous Administration

The Interoceanic Train was a central infrastructure project of the immediate past president, whose presidency ended the previous year. This rail line was intimately linked to his leadership's developmental goals for the southeastern region.

Another ambitious rail project from that era, a tourist and cargo loop around the Yucatán Peninsula, was also part of the broader strategy to revitalize the economy 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 growth of its duties in civilian projects. They were built at an fast-tracked pace, beating predictions to be at least partly launched before the end of that government.

However, this fast-paced schedule had also raised persistent questions over safety standards.

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

Demands for Review and Suspension

In the wake of the disaster, the leader of a major opposition party demanded an immediate halt in the construction and operation of all similar projects.

This halt was suggested pending a comprehensive safety audit. The party stated that the tragedy "requires immediate answers."

In response, the head of state asserted that the train had been operating in complete compliance with all safety requirements. Assurances were given that the government would remain "responsible" in both the construction and management of these national undertakings.