Pedro Sánchez maintains support for Óscar Puente after Urda train crash

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has reaffirmed his political support for Transport Minister Óscar Puente following a fatal railway accident in Urda, Toledo, which has resulted in at least 69 deaths and numerous injuries.

Initial investigations suggest the collision was caused by a combination of a computer failure in the LZB automatic safety system and subsequent human error. Reports indicate that after the system failed around 8:30 AM, causing six trains to stop, control center operators took over manual management. An AVE train was reportedly authorized to continue at normal speed despite another train being stationary on the tracks.

The government maintains that the incident does not warrant the minister's resignation, citing evidence of human error rather than systemic management failure. However, the decision has faced significant criticism from opposition parties, including the PP and Frente Amplio, as well as labor unions. Within the ruling PSOE party, some members have expressed concern, noting that this is the second fatal high-speed accident in nine months, following the Adamuz incident in January.