No fewer than 13 people killed and 98 wounded 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 critical opposition regarding the speed and management of the country's major infrastructure initiatives.

The accident happened on the Interoceanic Train, a rail link constructed to join the Atlantic Ocean and Pacific across the narrowest part of the Isthmus of Tehuantepec. This project was designed to establish an competing rail corridor to the Panama Canal, intended to promote regional growth in the area.

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

The president announced that, of the some 250 individuals on board, another 98 were hurt, with five of those in serious condition. The leader stated plans to visit Oaxaca to meet those involved.

Major Initiative of Former Government

The Interoceanic Train was a signature development scheme of the immediate past president, whose term finished the year before. This project was closely associated with his leadership's developmental agenda for the southeastern region.

Another ambitious train initiative from that era, a tourist and cargo loop around the Yucatán Peninsula, was also part of the broader strategy to stimulate the economic fortunes of a relatively disadvantaged part of the country.

Project Execution and Risks Apprehensions

The construction of both train projects was supervised by the nation's military, marking a notable growth of its role in civilian projects. They were built at an rapid speed, defying forecasts to be partially launched before the end of that government.

However, this rushed timetable had also fueled ongoing apprehensions over safety standards.

• Sunday's derailment was the third event on the Interoceanic Train this year.
• This involves an previous accident this month when a train smashed into a truck at a level crossing.
• The other major rail project has also seen a couple of non-fatal derailments.

Calls for Audit and Pause

In the aftermath of the catastrophe, the chief of a key rival party demanded an urgent suspension in the development and management of all such projects.

This stoppage was proposed until the completion of a comprehensive safety audit. The party declared that the situation "demands swift accountability."

In response, the president maintained that the train had been running in total compliance with all operational standards. Assurances were given that the government would remain "diligent" in both the construction and operation of these strategic undertakings.