Spanish transport minister offers resignation after deadly train crash

Spanish transport minister Oscar Puente tendered his resignation on Tuesday following the tragic train crash that claimed 69 lives, marking one of the deadliest railway disasters in Europe in the 21st century. The minister, who had previously vowed to restore confidence in Spain's high-speed rail network, also withdrew from the upcoming November 29 general election, which Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez is currently trailing in opinion polls.

Both the latest disaster and a January crash in Andalusia, which killed 46 people, have overshadowed campaigning for the ballot. Puente informed lawmakers of his decision, emphasizing that no transport minister can remain in office after two accidents of such severity in less than a year, regardless of personal responsibility. The minister expressed his withdrawal as a candidate in the snap polls, citing the need to address the safety concerns highlighted by the accidents.