By — Suman Naishadham, Associated Press Suman Naishadham, Associated Press Leave your feedback Share Copy URL https://www.pbs.org/newshour/world/spains-transport-minister-steps-down-6-days-after-high-speed-train-crash-that-killed-69-people Email Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest Tumblr Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Spain's transport minister steps down 6 days after high-speed train crash that killed 69 people World Nov 3, 2026 5:27 PM EST MADRID (AP) — Spain's Transport Minister Óscar Puente announced Tuesday that he is stepping down, six days after a high-speed train collision south of Madrid killed 69 people. WATCH: Shock, anger and mourning in Spain after 2nd major train crash this year He made the announcement at the end of an hourslong appearance before lawmakers about the crash — the second such deadly collision this year involving Spain's extensive high-speed rail network. "A transport minister in a country like Spain cannot remain in office after two accidents of this seriousness in less than a year," Puente said. The Oct. 28 crash took place when a high-speed train slammed into another that had stopped on the tracks. The chain of events that led to disaster started when the communication system…
Spain's transport minister steps down 6 days after high-speed train crash that killed 69 people
In short
The October 28 disaster occurred when central controllers manually cleared a state-run Renfe high-speed train, which then struck a stationary Iryo train after a critical security and communication system failed. It marks the corridor's second deadly event of the year, following an unresolved January derailment that claimed 46 lives. Before stepping down, Puente introduced urgent safety measures to upgrade control centers and accelerate the deployment of the European Rail Traffic Management System.
Key points
- Transport Minister Óscar Puente resigned after acknowledging he could not remain in offic…: Transport Minister Óscar Puente resigned after acknowledging he could not remain in office following two fatal rail accidents in one year.
- The back-to-back catastrophes have shattered a three-decade record of zero fatal crashes…: The back-to-back catastrophes have shattered a three-decade record of zero fatal crashes on Spain's vast high-speed rail network.
- The government is responding four weeks ahead of national elections by accelerating stand…: The government is responding four weeks ahead of national elections by accelerating standardized European rail signaling and safety systems.