Politics · Sri Lanka Bureau
Spanish transport minister resigns following devastating train crash
Spain's Transport Minister Óscar Puente has stepped down six days after a high-speed train collision killed at least 69 people near Madrid. The resignation came after Puente testified before Congress regarding the disaster.
LSN Sri Lanka ·
Óscar Puente announced his resignation in the Spanish Parliament following his testimony on the train collision that occurred last Wednesday near the town of Urda, south of Madrid. The minister's decision to step down comes as the nation grapples with one of its deadliest transport accidents in recent years.
The high-speed train crash resulted in at least 69 fatalities and left dozens more injured. Investigators are examining the circumstances surrounding the collision as the country mourns the significant loss of life.
Puente's departure marks a significant political response to the disaster. His resignation underscores the gravity of the incident and the pressure faced by government officials following major transport accidents. The ministry will need to appoint a successor to oversee ongoing investigations and transport policy.
Spain's rail infrastructure and safety protocols are likely to face increased scrutiny in the coming weeks as authorities work to determine the exact causes of the collision and prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.