Spain's transport minister resigns six days after train crash that killed 69

Spain's Transport Minister Óscar Puente has resigned. He took the decision six days after the high-speed train collision in which at least 69 people were killed and dozens were injured.

He announced his decision in Congress, where he had appeared to explain the circumstances of last Wednesday's crash near the town of Urda, south of the capital, Madrid.

Explaining his resignation, Puente said: 'A transport minister in a country like Spain cannot remain in office after two accidents of this seriousness in less than a year.' His remark also referred to another deadly train crash in Andalusia, southern Spain, in January.

The latest crash happened in Urda, when a high-speed train operated by the state company Renfe smashed into the back of another stationary train operated by the Iryo company. At least 69 people were killed in the collision and dozens were injured.

Puente had faced questions over Spain's transport system after two major train accidents in less than a year. In the end, he decided to step down.