Spain’s transport minister Óscar Puente resigns after latest deadly high-speed rail crash

Spain's transport minister Óscar Puente resigned on Tuesday following a high-speed train collision that killed 69 people near Urda in Toledo. The crash occurred six days prior, resulting in widespread criticism of Puente's handling of the situation. His resignation came after he had withdrawn from the upcoming general election where he was set to lead the Socialist Party's list for Congress.

Puente acknowledged the decision as a matter of political dignity, stating that a minister could not remain in office after two accidents of this severity in less than a year. The Urda collision followed a similar incident in January near Adamuz, both involving Renfe and Iryo trains on Spain's first high-speed rail line. Puente's resignation comes as the PSOE faces a challenging election period, trailing in the polls.