Transport Minister Óscar Puente has resigned following last week’s fatal high-speed train crash in Urda, which killed 69 people. He announced his decision in Congress on Tuesday, saying he had made it shortly after the disaster, but wanted first to explain what happened and set out measures to support victims and improve rail safety. Puente said a minister could not remain in office after two accidents of such severity in […]

The Government has approved a package of measures aimed at strengthening high-speed rail safety. These include new control-centre software, artificial intelligence to monitor the network and a requirement for a second controller to validate decisions when normal signalling systems are unavailable. An immediate safety audit has also been ordered for the Madrid-to-Seville line, alongside the completion of its European signalling system. Train frequencies on that route are expected to be […]

Seven flights across Europe were affected by false bomb threats on Tuesday. The alerts triggered security operations in Spain, Poland, Italy and Bulgaria. One affected aircraft was a Ryanair flight from Manchester which landed in Murcia. Five of the seven flights were operated by Ryanair. All the threats were found to be false, and no explosives were discovered.

The Government is preparing an emergency package of financial support for victims and families affected by last week’s deadly train collision near Urda, in Toledo province. A royal decree is expected to be approved by the Council of Ministers on Tuesday. The accident claimed 69 lives, with 41 people still receiving hospital treatment, including 16 in intensive care. Transport Minister Óscar Puente will also present a report outlining the information […]

Police have arrested three people in separate investigations into the alleged organisation of violence under the name Blocus. The Guardia Civil detained the suspected founder and principal promoter of the movement in Picanya, near Valencia. Two further arrests were made in Tenerife, including a 16-year-old. Investigators say the group used encrypted messaging channels to coordinate planned looting, sabotage and attacks on police. The Valencia investigation is linked to the disturbances […]

Spain’s consolidated public-sector deficit reached 1.75 per cent of gross domestic product by the end of August. That represents just over 31 billion euros, compared with 1.72 per cent during the same period last year. However, the primary deficit, which excludes interest payments, fell by more than 21 per cent. The figures cover central government, regional administrations and Social Security, but exclude local councils.

The Prime Minister, Pedro Sánchez, has promised a full investigation, saying any negligence or failure in the safety system would be dealt with firmly. He has announced three days of national mourning, beginning today. Flags are being flown at half-mast, and official celebrations have been cancelled.

High-speed services between Madrid and Andalucía remain suspended while the emergency response and investigation continue Renfe has opened a dedicated assistance line for victims and relatives on 900 10 10 20. Officials say the priority now is to identify those who died, support the injured and their families, and establish how this disaster happened. In response to the crash, Iberia has confirmed it has increased the frequency of domestic flights […]

Most political parties suspended their scheduled events on Wednesday and expressed condolences to the victims and their families. Vox continued with its planned appearances. In Navarra, the regional government has also declared three days of mourning and suspended festive official events. Photo: Vox