Spanish rail infrastructure chief steps down after Toledo train crash

⁠Adif President Luis Pedro Marco de la Peña has submitted his resignation to Spain’s new transport minister, Carlos Cuerpo. Adif, responsible for Spain’s rail infrastructure, signaling and traffic control, is under intense scrutiny after last week’s devastating crash near Urda, Toledo, that claimed 69 lives. De la Peña’s resignation was first reported by local media, and confirmed by a Spanish government official in a text message.

This marks Cuerpo’s first notable action since stepping into the ministry after former Transport Minister Oscar Puente’s resignation Tuesday night. Puente left his post following a marathon hearing before Congress’ Permanent Deputation, where both allies and opponents urged him to resign. The Urda crash was Spain’s second deadly rail accident of the year, following January’s crash near Adamuz, which killed 46 people.

Earlier Wednesday, Cuerpo convened with Marco de la Peña, Renfe President Álvaro Fernández Heredia and Secretary of State for Transport José Antonio Santano.