Spain's transport minister resigns six days after deadly high-speed train crash kills 69
Spain's transport minister steps down six days after fatal high-speed rail crash.
Madrid - Spain's Transport Minister Óscar Puente has resigned following a deadly high-speed train crash that occurred six days prior, claiming the lives of 69 people. The crash, which took place on October 28th, occurred when a high-speed train collided with another that had stopped on the tracks, due to a communication system failure.
Puente addressed lawmakers during an extensive appearance, citing political dignity and empathy for the victims as reasons for his decision to step down. This is the second major collision on Spain's Madrid-Seville high-speed rail line in less than a year; January saw a train derail and strike another in the opposite direction, resulting in 46 fatalities.
The most recent incident has raised concerns about the safety of the country's rail network, particularly as it coincides with the country's upcoming national election, which is less than a month away. Prior to resigning, Puente announced additional safety measures that the government would implement, including improvements in control center conditions and a faster rollout of the standardized European Rail Traffic Management System for safety and signaling.
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