By Oluwakemi Kindness
Spain’s Transport Minister, Óscar Puente has resigned, six days after a high-speed train collision killed at least 69 people and injured dozens.
Puente announced his resignation in Congress on Tuesday, following questions over the crash near Urda, south of Madrid, where a moving train struck a stationary train.
He said he could not remain in office after two major rail accidents in less than a year, referring to a January crash that killed 46 people.
During his appearance, Puente outlined new rail safety measures but faced pressure from opposition parties demanding his resignation.
He also announced his withdrawal from the candidate lists for the upcoming early legislative elections.
The conservative People’s Party and far-right Vox accused him of failing to ensure rail safety. They also criticised his suggestion that human error may have caused the latest crash.
Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has admitted that the disaster damaged public confidence in Spain’s rail network.
