Spanish Transport Minister Puente Faces Lawmakers as Government Prepares Aid for Train Crash Victims

Madrid, Spain. Transport Minister Oscar Puente is due to answer lawmakers’ questions on Tuesday about his response to the deadliest rail disaster in Europe since 2013. The government is meanwhile preparing emergency assistance for the victims and their relatives.

Calls for resignation

The high-speed collision last week has so far caused 69 confirmed deaths. Many have demanded that Puente resign, including partners in the governing coalition. It was the second accident this year on the same line, following a crash in January in which 46 people died.

Related: Urda residents rush to aid victims of deadly high-speed train collision in Spain

RelatedUrda residents rush to aid victims of deadly high-speed train collision in Spain

Puente has declined to quit. He has said that he takes responsibility by choosing to “face up” to the crisis, which means telling the public what happened and repairing the system.

Appearance before the Permanent Deputation

The minister is scheduled to appear at 5 p.m. (1600 GMT) before the Permanent Deputation. This smaller interim body exercises limited powers while parliament is between terms, ahead of an election on November 29.

Aid package for victims

Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez announced on Monday that the government would approve a support package. It would double the payouts that victims receive under compulsory passenger insurance, bring forward compensation payments and improve cover for temporary incapacity.

Sanchez spoke at the World in Progress forum in Barcelona. He said the priority was to help the victims and to pursue “restoring the shattered confidence in high-speed rail as soon as possible with whatever it takes”.

The cabinet was due to meet on Tuesday to approve the package. Puente is then expected to present new safety measures.

Safety measures under consideration

The Spanish newspaper El Pais, citing unidentified sources, reported on Tuesday that the options under review include a 40 kph (25 mph) speed limit. It would apply when drivers must rely on their own eyesight to spot obstacles because the signalling system has broken down.

The measures would also involve recruiting additional personnel and improving working conditions in rail control centres.

According to the report, Spain would also press for a quicker introduction of the standardised European Rail Traffic Management System, known as ERTMS, across its network for safety and signalling. Government contracts show that its implementation is behind schedule on the line where the accidents took place.