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Spain rail crisis: Minister resigns and strikes planned after Urda disaster
Spanish Transport Minister Óscar Puente has announced his resignation following the Urda rail disaster, which resulted in 69 deaths and approximately 200 injuries. Puente assumed political responsibility for the tragedy, noting that a minister cannot remain in office after two major accidents within a single year. The collision occurred after an AVE train was authorized to proceed at normal speeds despite a failure in the LZB signaling system and the presence of a stationary Iryo train ahead.
In response to the accident and ongoing safety concerns, railway unions including CCOO, UGT, CGT, SF, and SCF have coordinated actions. A protest is scheduled for November 16 at the Congress of Deputies, followed by a 24-hour strike on November 17. Unions are demanding a fundamental change to the railway model, including the creation of a public group of companies to better coordinate infrastructure and operations, and a legal reform to limit political appointments in public enterprise leadership.
Adif President Luis Pedro Marco de la Peña is also facing intense scrutiny. Reports indicate he dismantled the Adif General Directorate of Security in October 2025, months before the Adamuz and Urda tragedies, which have claimed a combined total of 115 lives. Critics allege his management has failed to address an aging network and insufficient safety protocols.
Entities
Adif · CSIF · Luis Pedro Marco de la Peña · Oscar Puente · Renfe · Spain · Urda
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 10 SOURCES] The Urda rail disaster caused at least 69 deaths. www.todoalicante.es · www.atlantico.net · www.lacronicabadajoz.com · www.072info.com · www.deia.eus · +5 more
- [● 2 SOURCES] Unions are demanding the creation of a public group of companies to coordinate infrastructure and operations. www.atlantico.net · www.deia.eus
- [● 2 SOURCES] CSIF is calling for the resignation of Transport Minister Óscar Puente. theobjective.com · www.elperiodico.digital
- [● 2 SOURCES] The total death toll from the Adamuz and Urda tragedies is 115. www.072info.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Luis Pedro Marco de la Peña dismantled the Adif General Directorate of Security in October 2025.
- [● 8 SOURCES] Adif unions have called for a strike on November 17. www.farodevigo.es · www.atlantico.net · www.deia.eus · www.elcorreoweb.es · www.elperiodicoextremadura.com · +1 more
- [● 2 SOURCES] Marco de la Peña has presided over Adif since September 2024. www.todoalicante.es
- [● 7 SOURCES] A protest is scheduled for November 16 at the Congress of Deputies. www.farodevigo.es · www.atlantico.net · www.deia.eus · www.elcorreoweb.es · www.elperiodicoextremadura.com