Spanish Transport Minister resigns

China News Service, Beijing, November 4th. Madrid News: Spanish Transport Minister Oscar Puente announced his resignation on the 3rd local time. Since the beginning of this year, there have been two major high-speed rail accidents in Spain, resulting in a total of 115 deaths.

Just six days before Puente announced his resignation, a train collision occurred in Urda, Toledo Province, Spain, killing 69 people. In January this year, a high-speed rail accident also occurred in Adamus in the south of the country, killing 46 people. According to the Associated Press, these accidents have raised concerns about the safety of Spain's railway network.

According to Spanish EFE and Spanish National Radio and Television reports, Puente said on the 3rd that he made the decision to resign shortly after the Urda accident, but was unwilling to announce the decision before completing the urgent task of ensuring the safety of short-term railway operations. Puente said he could not remain in office after two accidents of this magnitude in less than a year.

According to Reuters and the Associated Press, Puente announced earlier on the 3rd the measures the government will implement to strengthen railway safety, including reducing the frequency of trains on the Madrid-Seville high-speed rail line and improving control center conditions.

Spanish Prime Minister Sanchez praised Puente on social media on the 3rd, saying that "politicians like him make our country respected." (over)