Spain’s Transport Minister Óscar Puente is due to appear before the Permanent Deputation of Congress on Tuesday to explain the circumstances of the fatal train crash in Urda, Toledo. The collision killed 69 people, and the investigation and the government’s handling of railway safety are expected to face scrutiny from opposition parties.
The Council of Ministers is also expected to approve a royal decree establishing support for victims and relatives. The measures are modelled on assistance introduced after the Adamuz crash and include direct, non-repayable payments for injuries and deaths, as well as advances against civil-liability compensation. Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has also announced plans to double payments under compulsory insurance, improve temporary-disability benefits and create dedicated support offices for victims and their families.
Puente is expected to present proposals to strengthen railway safety protocols, including measures for railway staff and technical improvements. Separately, operator Iryo has asked the State Agency for Railway Safety to introduce new procedures, including a 40 km/h speed limit if the LZB signalling system fails. The train drivers’ union Semaf has also called for changes to procedures in such incidents.
Rail infrastructure manager Adif has denied rejecting safety recommendations made by the railway accident investigation commission, the CIAF, after a 2024 incident involving similar human errors. Adif says it prepared a technical report reviewing the proposals and explaining why some were not adopted, including changes involving ERTMS, ASFA routers and CMS tender requirements.
The crash has prompted calls from opposition politicians for Puente to take responsibility, with the Popular Party and Podemos seeking his resignation. The minister said on Friday that he would not step aside, adding that the prime minister had not asked him to do so.
All 69 people who died have been identified, according to the Centre for Integrated Data. Fifty-four were Spanish nationals and 15 were foreign nationals; 40 were men and 29 were women, all adults. Authorities have removed all the wrecked carriages from the tracks, while the Civil Guard continues searching the site for biological remains.
Sources: La Vanguardia.