Óscar Puente resigns as Spain's Transport Minister following Urda train crash that killed 69 people
The minister announces his resignation nearly a week after the tragedy and confirms he will not stand in the November 29 elections
Spain's Minister of Transport and Sustainable Mobility, Óscar Puente, announced his resignation on Tuesday, November 3, nearly a week after the devastating railway accident in Urda, Toledo, which claimed the lives of 69 people. The announcement came during his appearance before the Spanish Congress's Permanent Deputation.
Puente also confirmed that he would not stand as a candidate in the upcoming November 29 elections, arguing that a transport minister cannot remain in office after two railway disasters of such magnitude in a single year.
Puente resigns citing political dignity and respect for the victims
During his parliamentary appearance, Puente explained that his decision was motivated by a matter of "political dignity and empathy with the victims."
The outgoing minister revealed that he had decided to step down just minutes after learning about the tragedy, while travelling to Adif's control centre to receive initial information about the accident.
However, he defended his decision to remain in office temporarily, explaining that he first needed to oversee the most urgent measures to clarify the circumstances of the crash and strengthen railway safety.
Puente stated that his resignation comes after completing the initial investigative steps and implementing immediate measures aimed at preventing similar tragedies.
Two major railway disasters in the same year
The resignation comes amid mounting political pressure on Spain's Ministry of Transport following two devastating railway accidents in 2026.
The first occurred on January 18 in Adamuz, Córdoba, where 46 people lost their lives. The second took place on October 28 in Urda, Toledo, killing 69 people, making it one of Spain's deadliest railway disasters in recent years.
Both incidents have triggered an intense national debate over railway infrastructure maintenance, safety protocols and political accountability for the management of Spain's rail network.
Opposition parties and several political groups had demanded Puente's resignation, questioning his handling of the railway crisis and the explanations provided following the accidents.
With his departure, Óscar Puente leaves Spain's Ministry of Transport amid one of the country's most serious railway crises, as investigations continue into the causes of the Urda disaster and the potential responsibilities involved.
