Spanish transport minister quits after two deadly train crashes kill 115 in less than a year
MADRID, Nov 4 — Spain’s transport minister handed in his resignation yesterday following a train crash...
Madrid, November 4 — In the wake of a train crash that claimed 69 lives, Spain's transport minister Oscar Puente has tendered his resignation, citing the need for fresh leadership following multiple railway disasters in less than a year. Puente withdrew from the upcoming November 29 general election, leaving Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez under pressure ahead of the vote.
The recent accidents, including a January tragedy in Andalusia that left 46 people dead, have overshadowed campaigning efforts for the snap polls, with Sanchez trailing in opinion polls. Puente, who pledged to work "tirelessly" to restore confidence in Spain's second-largest high-speed rail network, admitted he made his decision about his future shortly after the latest tragedy.
The minister blamed the accidents on a control centre operator's failure to adhere to safety protocols, despite the government's assurances of improved security measures. Puente also announced a 30 million euro aid package for victims and their families, as well as new safety measures, including an AI system to monitor control centre operators' decision-making processes.
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