Spanish transport minister resigns days after deadly train crash

Spain's Transport Minister Óscar Puente has resigned following a deadly high-speed train collision that left at least 69 individuals deceased and numerous others injured. Puente delivered his resignation statement in Congress, where he had appeared to discuss the circumstances surrounding the accident that occurred near the town of Urda, located south of Madrid.

The minister emphasized that a transport minister in a country like Spain could not retain their position after two such severe accidents within a year, particularly noting a catastrophic crash in January in Andalusia, southern Spain.

The recent tragedy took place when a state-operated Renfe high-speed train collided with the rear of another stationary train operated by Iryo company. Puente made his decision public at the conclusion of a congressional session, during which he presented new rail safety measures and faced questioning from the opposition. He revealed his resignation immediately after the disaster on October 28th, though he had waited several days before making the announcement.

Puente had been facing growing pressure from opposition parties and some government allies who demanded his removal from office. Leaked audio recordings obtained by Spanish media shortly after the crash revealed conversations between train drivers and a control center within minutes of the disaster. These tapes suggest that one high-speed train was permitted to move despite another train having stalled on the track approximately 25 kilometers (15 miles) ahead.

Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has pledged that authorities will thoroughly investigate every detail of this tragedy.