Spain transport minister steps down following fatal train disaster near Madrid

UPDATE - follow-up to Spanish transport minister resigns days after deadly train crash: Spain's Transport Minister Óscar Puente has resigned six days after a high-speed train collision near Madrid left at least 69 people dead and dozens injured.

The Resignation

Puente announced his decision in Congress on Tuesday evening after facing heavy pressure from opposition parties and government allies. He stated that a minister cannot stay in office after two serious rail accidents in less than a year, pointing to a January crash on the same line that killed 46 people. Last week's disaster occurred near the town of Urda when a Renfe train smashed into a stationary Iryo train on the tracks. Puente also withdrew his name from the lists for the upcoming early legislative elections.

Background And Causes

The Renfe train carried 397 passengers while the stationary Iryo train had 147 people on board. A computer failure involving the automatic signalling system had forced trains to halt in the area. Leaked audio recordings show the Madrid control centre told the Renfe train driver to continue at normal speed using a back-up system, even though the stationary train was about 25 kilometres ahead.

Context

High-speed rail safety and government accountability have become central political issues in Spain following the disaster. The accident comes just ahead of early general elections, placing severe pressure on Socialist Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez's administration.