Spain’s transport minister resigns after deadly train crash

Spain’s transport minister, Óscar Puente, has resigned six days after a high-speed train collision near Urda killed at least 69 people and injured dozens. He announced his decision in parliament, where he had been due to explain the circumstances of the crash.

“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. He was also referring to a deadly rail crash in Andalusia in January.

The latest collision happened when a state-operated Renfe train struck the rear of a stationary train operated by Iryo. The cause of the crash has not been established. The disaster had prompted calls for Puente to resign, while the opposition had accused the government of failing to maintain the railways safely.

The resignation comes as investigators examine the events leading up to the collision. Puente had previously said that the causes and any responsibility remained subject to technical and judicial investigations.