Óscar Puente stepped down after a collision that killed 69 people, citing two major railway accidents in less than a year.
Spanish Transport Minister Óscar Puente resigned Tuesday following a high-speed train collision that killed 69 people last week, saying he could no longer remain in office after two railway accidents of such severity in less than a year. He also withdrew his candidacy for the Nov. 29 general election.
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Puente announced his decision during an appearance before the Permanent Deputation of Spain’s Congress, saying he had made up his mind as soon as he learned of the latest accident in Urda, Toledo, south of Madrid.
The collision between two high-speed trains left 69 people dead and about 100 injured. Puente said a transport minister could not remain in office after two accidents of such magnitude in less than a year, regardless of their differing circumstances or whether he bore direct responsibility.
He said his resignation was driven by dignity, consistency and political empathy, reversing his earlier position that he would remain in office until the investigation clarified the circumstances of the crash.
“The blame cannot die alone,” Puente said, invoking a phrase associated with European political history.
His appearance before lawmakers was marked by a heated confrontation with opposition representatives. Ester Muñoz of the People’s Party (PP) accused the government of negligence and insensitivity in its handling of successive disasters, while Vox spokesperson Pepa Millán demanded direct accountability for the 116 deaths attributed to the two railway accidents.
Puente defended his appearance as an exercise in transparency and challenged what he described as the right-wing opposition’s historical inaction.
Meanwhile, investigators continued examining the latest crash under judicial restrictions intended to preserve evidence. Access to the impact zone in Toledo remained prohibited.
Spain’s Railway Accident Investigation Commission (CIAF) revised its figures and confirmed the final death toll at 69. The investigation is examining the circumstances surrounding the collision, including the authorization for an AVE train to resume traveling at 200 kilometers per hour after the LZB safety system failed, while an Iryo train remained stationary.
The government had already approved a 30-million-euro compensation package for victims and their families, Puente said following the morning Cabinet meeting.
Authorities also plan to temporarily reduce the number of services on the Madrid-Seville line, where both accidents occurred, while maintaining the number of available passenger seats. The State Railway Safety Agency will conduct an extraordinary review of railway safety systems.
The disasters have also prompted labor action. The train drivers’ union SEMAF called general strikes demanding increased investment in the railway network and workforce renewal.
Puente’s resignation leaves the government facing renewed pressure to restore confidence in Spain’s high-speed rail network as investigations continue into the accidents and authorities work to address the consequences for victims and their families.
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