Spain's Transport Minister resigns after train accident kills 69

Óscar Puente, Spain's Minister of Transport, announced his resignation following a train accident in Toledo that claimed the lives of 69 people. The collision, which occurred on October 28, was the second serious railway disaster in the country in recent months, raising concerns about public transport safety.

Puente stated that he made the decision to resign 'in the first minutes after the tragedy' and waited for the investigation results before making it public. The minister emphasized that someone in his position cannot remain in office after accidents of this severity.

In addition to his resignation, Puente revealed that he will not stand in the upcoming legislative elections scheduled for November 29. During his press conference, he referenced former Portuguese minister Jorge Coelho, who resigned in the past after a similar accident, as an example to follow. This reference came at a time when public confidence in transportation authorities was in crisis.

The Spanish government faced criticism over its handling of the situation, with calls for Puente's resignation emerging immediately after the accident. However, before announcing his departure, Puente defended his actions, stating that he made 'no decision that contributed' to the accident.

The details of the ongoing investigations into the accident have yet to be fully disclosed, but authorities are examining the circumstances that led to the collision of the two trains. The government's priority is to restore citizens' trust in the railway system, which has suffered a severe blow from the recent tragedy.

Puente's resignation marks a new phase in the government's response and the quest for accountability regarding railway safety. The outcry from the victims' families and public pressure will now focus on improving safety conditions on Spain's train lines.