Spain Transport Minister Resigns After Second Deadly Rail Crash

Spain's Transport Minister Óscar Puente resigned on 3 November 2026 before the Permanent Deputation of Congress after an October 28 high-speed crash near Urda, Toledo, killed 69 people and injured about 200. It was the second deadly accident on the Madrid–Seville line in less than a year; a January crash near Adamuz killed 46. Puente said a transport minister in a country like Spain cannot remain in office after two accidents of this severity, however different they may be and regardless of direct responsibility. He told lawmakers the Adif control centre allowed a Renfe AVE train to continue after its LZB safety system failed while an Iryo train was stopped ahead; the AVE traveled about 25 kilometers and struck at 160 km/h. He said the line is neither abandoned nor forgotten, cited a €780 million renewal plan, said he would not stand in the November 29 election, and closed: I trust my country will live up to the occasion. I have tried to live up to it. Farewell. Ester Muñoz said the minister's job is not to explain fatal accidents, it is to prevent them; Pepa Millán accused him of shirking his responsibilities and said he has neither dignity nor shame. PP, Vox, PNV and Junts had demanded his resignation. About 1,500 people protested outside the Transport Ministry, and Adif's works council agreed to push for a strike on 17 November. Twelve foreign nationals were among the dead, including four Americans; three travelers remain formally missing.