Spain Train Disaster Deals Blow to Leader Already an Election Underdog

Government Faces Crash Questions

On Friday, Transport Minister Puente appeared before the press for a second time. He described the facts as objective and expressed what he called “huge pain and sadness” for the victims before defending the government’s handling.

Human Errors Under Scrutiny

Puente said Spain’s rail system had failed 170 times so far this year, describing that figure as normal and around the EU average. He pointed to a series of human errors in the latest crash.

A controller instructed a stalled train to restart, allowing it to travel at up to 160km/h (100 mph) although another train was stuck farther along the line. Puente said staff could see what was happening, but the advancing train was not ordered to stop. Asked whether he would accept personal and political responsibility by resigning, Puente said it was his duty to remain minister.

Earlier Crash Still Under Investigation

An investigation into January’s crash in Adamuz, near Cordoba, remains open. Initial reports suggested a crack in the rails, a cause described as very different from the latest collision.

Camas warned that such incidents damage confidence in both railways and institutions. Camas also said people in Spain tend to blame the government when events like these occur.

Political Pressure Mounts

A video showing a pensioner being forcibly evicted went viral and prompted street protests. The woman, Maricarmen Abascal, died after being evicted from the home where she had lived for more than 70 years, sparking widespread housing protests across Spain. Sánchez’s chances of winning the vote were described as slim before the train disaster and have since fallen further.