Spain's Transport Minister Óscar Puente Resigns Following Deadly Urda Train Crash
Óscar Puente, Spain’s Minister of Transport, announced his resignation on Tuesday, 3 November 2026, in Madrid. The decision follows a high-speed train derailment near Urda in the province of Toledo last week, which resulted in 69 deaths and approximately 200 injuries. Puente made the announcement during an appearance before the Permanent Deputation of the Congress of Deputies, the standing committee representing the lower house when it is not in full session. He described stepping down as an act of political responsibility, stating that it was "good for the country and for democracy." He further clarified that he would not stand as a candidate in the next election, asserting that he wanted to "live up to my party." During his address, Puente defended the safety standards of the Madrid-Seville high-speed line where the accident occurred. He rejected claims that the infrastructure was neglected, pointing to a €780 million renewal plan initiated by the government. He concluded his speech with a farewell, saying, "I trust my country will live up to the occasion. I have tried to live up to it. Farewell."
According to Puente, the control centre operated by Adif, Spain’s state-owned rail infrastructure manager, allowed the AVE high-speed train to continue its journey despite a failure in its LZB automatic safety system. A train operated by the private company Iryo had stopped further along the track. The AVE then traveled approximately 25 kilometers at speeds exceeding 160 km/h before colliding with the stationary train. Puente maintained the reliability of the LZB system and announced plans for new technology to enhance rail safety.
The resignation comes nine months after a derailment near Adamuz in Córdoba, also on the Madrid-Seville line, which killed 46 people in January. Political opposition intensified immediately after the Urda crash. Ester Muñoz, spokesperson for the conservative People’s Party (PP), stated that the minister’s role was to prevent fatal accidents rather than explain them. Pepa Millán, spokesperson for the far-right Vox party, accused Puente of shirking responsibilities and criticized his conduct, claiming he lacked dignity and shame. Both the PP and Vox had demanded his resignation, as had the Basque Nationalist Party (PNV) and the Catalan pro-independence party Junts, whose votes support Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez’s Socialist government.
Amidst the political fallout, labor tensions are rising within the railway sector. The works council at Adif has agreed to push for a strike scheduled for 17 November to demand improved rail safety measures, although the strike has not yet been formally called. This planned protest reflects growing concern regarding the safety of Spain’s high-speed network following two deadly crashes in less than a year. Rail workers are threatening industrial action as public scrutiny over infrastructure management remains intense.
This report was produced in the Europe Brief News newsroom.
