04.11.2026, 10:57 (UK time)
News
Spain’s transport minister Óscar Puente resigned on Tuesday 3 November, during an appearance before the Permanent Deputation of the Congress of Deputies. The reason is the rail disaster at the end of October near the town of Urda in the province of Toledo, on the Madrid–Seville high-speed line. 69 people died and around 200 were injured.
Analysis
According to the minister, the control centre of rail infrastructure manager Adif allowed the AVE train to continue even though its LZB automatic safety system had failed. The train travelled about 25 km at more than 160 km/h and collided with an Iryo train that had stopped further along the track.
Puente said his departure was good for the country and for democracy. He said he would not stand at the next election. He defended the safety of the line and pointed to a €780 million government plan to renew it. His resignation had been demanded by the opposition PP and Vox, as well as the PNV and Junts, on whose votes Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez’s government relies.
What it means
This is the second tragedy on the same line this year. In January, 46 people died in a derailment near Adamuz in the province of Córdoba. The investigation into the causes of the Urda disaster is ongoing – until it ends, we do not know everything.
Risk
The Adif works council has agreed to push for a strike on 17 November over rail safety, but the strike has not yet been formally called. People planning to travel by train in Spain should allow for possible disruption. We need to watch announcements and be careful with plans.
What to do
- Travelling to Spain in November? Check with your operator (Renfe, Iryo, Ouigo) whether your train is running.
- Keep your booking number and the operator’s contact details.
- When buying a ticket, check the refund and change rules.
- Follow official announcements before 17 November.
How to read this
The minister’s resignation is a political decision, not the outcome of an investigation. Independent investigators will establish the causes of the disaster. Until then, it is worth relying on official information rather than online rumours.
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Sources: Euronews, 3.11.2026; Al Jazeera, 28.10.2026
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