Spanish Transport Minister resigns after two deadly train crashes in one year

Spain's Transport Minister, Óscar Puente, has resigned following two deadly train crashes within the past year. His decision, announced on Tuesday, November 3, 2026, comes after significant public and political pressure. Puente stated that a transport minister in Spain could not remain in office after two such severe accidents, regardless of direct responsibility.

The latest incident occurred on October 28, 2026, near Urda, approximately 130 kilometers south of Madrid, claiming the lives of at least 69 people and injuring around 200. This collision involved a high-speed Renfe train striking the rear of a stationary Iryo train after an automatic safety system failed and a control center reportedly authorized the moving train to proceed. The train was traveling at over 160 km/h at the time of impact.

This recent tragedy followed another fatal crash in January 2026, which killed 46 people near Adamuz in Andalusia. Both accidents took place on the high-speed rail line connecting Madrid and Seville, raising serious concerns about the safety and maintenance of Spain's extensive high-speed rail network.