Spain Rail Tragedy: Violent Rallies Demand PM and Minister Quit

Madrid, October 29: A deadly high-speed rail accident in Spain has sparked violent demonstrations in Madrid, with protesters calling for the resignation of the prime minister and the transport minister. The Wednesday morning collision near Urda killed 68 people and left more than 180 others injured.

The two trains involved were a Renfe service and an Iryo train that was stationed on the track. High-speed trains in Spain generally operate at over 200 km/h, and the collision caused extensive damage and loss of life.

Preliminary reports say the railway safety system malfunctioned. The control centre reportedly authorised one train to resume service shortly before the accident took place.

That evening, more than 1,000 people took to the streets of Madrid in a rally against the government. Organised by right-wing groups, the protest escalated when some participants tried to break police lines. Riot police responded with tear gas and limited force to disperse the crowd, while demonstrators hurled bottles and firecrackers.

The protesters demanded that Prime Minister Sánchez and Transport Minister Puente step down. Some referred to Puente as the 'minister of death.' Others insisted that responsibility for railway safety be clearly established.

The far-right Falange party and groups such as Revuelta were behind the main rally. Separately, Solidaridad, which is linked to Vox, staged its own demonstration.

The Urda crash is the second fatal high-speed rail collision in Spain this year. Earlier, in January, a train derailed near Adamuz, killing 46 people.

The disaster has put intense pressure on the government to explain the failures that led to the collision and to show how railway safety will be improved.