A train carrying GOP members of the House and Senate, in addition to some spouses, to their annual retreat in West Virginia has crashed. According to reports, a dump truck was sitting on the train tracks when the train was en route to its destination. Upon impact, at least part of the train reportedly derailed.
There have been varying reports regarding injuries with some saying that all members are fine but others indicating there are injuries. FOX News reported that a triage center has been set up at the site of the accident.
There is information that has been put out on Twitter by both reporters and some of the members who were onboard.
Politico’s Rachael Bade tweeted one of the first pictures of the accident which took place in Crozet, Virginia.
BREAKING: GOP train hit a truck on way to retreat. Sources say driver getting medical attention; members okay. Pic-> pic.twitter.com/99xmsGFEEs
— Rachael Bade (@rachaelmbade) January 31, 2018
Dr. Roger Marshall, a Republican who represents the 1st Congressional District in Kansas, was onboard the train. He tweeted that he is fine and is helping treat the injured.
We are on our way to our annual GOP retreat, the train carrying members and spouses hit something. Laina and I are ok, I am helping those that are injured, I will have Laina keep you updated as I know more.
— Dr. Roger Marshall (@RogerMarshallMD) January 31, 2018
This story is developing. Please stay tuned for further reports and updates.
UPDATE 12:14 pm ET:
Amtrack released a statement regarding the accident stating that there were no reported injuries to crew members or passengers.
MORE: Amtrak releases statement after train carrying GOP lawmakers hits truck: "There are no reported injuries to passengers or crew members. Local law enforcement is investigating the incident and crews are inspecting equipment for damage." https://t.co/NEWvowwhtO pic.twitter.com/OEznC4YkOA
— CBS News (@CBSNews) January 31, 2018
According to CBS 19 reporter Jack Durkin, police have said this is a HAZMAT situation. Here is a video that he tweeted where you can see that the damage to the train was not significant.
On the scene of an @Amtrak train crash in Crozet. Police say it is a HAZMAT situation. #Charlottesville @CBS19News #Virginia pic.twitter.com/mSSHaVoJlh
— Jack Durkin (@DurkinWeather) January 31, 2018
UPDATE 12:25 pm ET:
In a phone interview with FOX News, Rep. Mark Walker (R-NC) said members are being told by authorities “that everything that they understand, that they way they’re seeing it, is it was just somebody that looked like they were trying to beat the train across the tracks.”
UPDATE: 12:58 pm ET:
Speaking with FOX News, Rep. Pete Sessions (R-TX) shared that 15 – 20 people needed medical attention. The White House also released a statement confirming that 1 person is dead and 1 seriously injured. Neither person is a member of the GOP Congress.
